Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza in the Middle East: Regional Focus and WOAH Standards

Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting several species of food-producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc.), as well as pet birds and wild birds. Occasionally mammals, including humans, may contract avian influenza.

Disease Overview and Pathogenicity

There are many AI virus strains, which are usually classified into two categories:

• Low Pathogenic (LPAI): Strains that typically cause few or no clinical signs in poultry.
• Highly Pathogenic (HPAI): Strains that can cause severe clinical signs and potentially high mortality rates among poultry.

Wild birds are natural hosts and reservoirs for all types of avian influenza viruses and play a major role in the evolution, maintenance, and spread of these viruses. Avian influenza has captured the attention of the international community over the years, with outbreaks in poultry having serious consequences on both livelihoods and international trade in many countries.

Regional Context and Biosecurity

Monitoring and controlling avian influenza at its poultry source are essential to decrease the virus load in susceptible avian species and environments. Implementation of biosecurity measures, in line with WOAH international standards, is key in securing the production sector and trade, safeguarding food security and the livelihoods of farmers, and limiting the risk of human infection with avian influenza strains that have zoonotic potential.

In the Middle East, recent epidemiological events have highlighted the ongoing risk of HPAI. For example, outbreaks of H5N1 have been reported in countries such as Iran and Iraq, emphasising the need for continuous regional surveillance and transparency.

Prevention and Control Measures

The primary strategy for managing Avian Influenza involves:

1. Surveillance: Systematic monitoring of both domestic poultry and wild bird populations.
2. Biosecurity: Strict measures to prevent the introduction of the virus into poultry farms.
3. Vaccination: When used, vaccines should comply with the standards described in the WOAH Terrestrial Manual.
4. Reporting: Timely notification of outbreaks to WOAH via the WAHIS platform.

Reference

• Regional AI Disease Situation and Map, for the latest interactive maps and regional status of Avian Influenza in the Middle East, visit WAHIS.
• The Center for Food Security and Public Health, Iowa State University:

• • Fast Facts – Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

• • Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

• WOAH Publications.
• Terrestrial Animal Health Code: Chapter 10.4 – Infection with High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses.
• Terrestrial Manual: Chapter 3.3.4 – Avian Influenza.