The global virus network urges the action to prevent the H5N1 pandemic

Today, the Global Virus Network (GVN), representing eminent human and animal virologists of 80+ centers of excellence and affiliates in more than 40 countries, has published a complete analysis and a call for action in Lancet regional Americas On the North American avian influenza virus, or H5N1, epidemic. The GVN calls on global governments to face the threat of H5N1 avian flu by improving surveillance, implementing biosecurity measures and preparing a potential human transmission to human.

“Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is essential for effective prevention and response”, ” said Sten H. Vermund, MD, PHD, chief doctor of the GVN and dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of Southern Florida, United States. “The ability of viruses to infect animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underlines the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures.”

The epidemic has affected nearly 1,000 herds of dairy cows and has led to more than 70 human cases, including the first death confirmed in the United States, the American poultry industry is at risk, especially in areas with high density agriculture and where personal protection practices may be missing. The very pathogenic influenza virus circulates now in the 50 states and Canada, resulting in the loss or reduction of more than 168 million poultry in the United States since 2022. Although human transmission to the Humane is not documented, experts provide that viral changes and researchers, or combining two influenza viruses, could increase transmissibility.

“Genomic surveillance is essential in monitoring viral development and response strategies”, “ said Marion Koopmans, DVM, PHD, director of the Center of Excellence at GVN and Head of the Viroscience Department at Erasmus Medical Center, Netherlands. “Continuous investment in monitoring at the human-animal interface and the immediate sharing of unusual field observations and sequence data are essential for researchers around the world to effectively monitor viruse dynamics.” Dr. Koopmans is a member of the United States and Dutch of the National Academy of Sciences. It is highly appreciated for her research on emerging infectious diseases and as a scientific advisor to political decision -makers at national and international levels.

GVN virologists highlight the need for better pandemic preparation, based on the learned lessons of the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic and previous epidemics. They plead for a multiple facets approach of pandemic preparation, which includes:

1. Improved surveillance: continuous animal surveillance, including milk and wastewater tests and individuals working with infected animals, to follow the evolution of viruses which can lead to human transmissibility. The GVN calls for more complete state-of-scale tests in the United States and internationally.
2. Share of faster genomic data: accelerating the release of genomic data to follow the evolution of viruses and spatial transmission, promoting collaboration between global research networks.
3. Improvement of agricultural biosecurity: using personal protective equipment (EPI) and strict agricultural cleaning protocols to minimize human exposure and prevent the spread of the virus.
4. Preparation plans for the deployment of tests: Defending self-administered diagnostic tests for agricultural workers, supported by access to health care for leading medical staff, to improve early detection.
5. Strengthening public health infrastructure: increased funding and support for response mechanisms, especially in high -risk regions, to better manage epidemics.
6. Investment in the prediction of phenotypes from genetic data: invest in the forecasting of phenotypes of avian flu viruses from genetic data, because the key features are difficult to predict only from genomic sequences.
7. Investment in the rapid development of vaccines: encourage the development and rapid deployment of vaccines for humans and animals, focusing on agricultural workers.
8. Preparation plan for the deployment of vaccines and therapies: clinical studies attended to quickly assess the properties of emerging virus strains and potential treatments.
9. Preparation plan to allow rapid clinical studies: focus on activating rapid clinical studies to assess the key properties of new pandemic strains, assess new vaccines and treatments and support modeling efforts.
10. International collaboration: support a coordinated global response to follow data, share research and prepare emerging viral threats to reduce community vulnerabilities and improve response strategies.

“Initiatives should focus on improving biosecurity measures in agricultural circles and public education on safe handling of poultry products and the potential risks associated with contact with infected animals”, “ said Peter Palese, Phd,, Director of the Center of Excellence at GVN and Horace W. Goldsmith Professor of the Microbiology Department of the Icahn School of Medicine of Mont Sinai. Dr. Palese is a world leader in influenza research and an American member of the National Academy of Sciences.

“”Given the growing circulation of H5N1 among mammals, the GVN calls for urgent efforts to understand and interrupt transmission among cattle through herd management and potential vaccination, “ AB OSTERHAUS, DVM, PHD, Director of the Center of Excellence at the GVN and founding director of the Center for Center for Zoonosis Medicine at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Germany in Germany, said. “Strengthening the monitoring of animal-human interfaces is crucial, as current monitoring efforts are insufficient to guide effective prevention strategies.” Dr. Osterhaus is considered internationally for his work on animal viruses, sras, seas and H5N1. He is co-founder of the world health community One and a Dutch and German member of the National Academies of Sciences.

Although a certain H5N1 surveillance has been carried out, the GVN highlights the lack of complete tests and monitoring to assess the propagation and risks of the virus to public health.

A robust national surveillance system is essential to quickly detect, and in quarantine affected animals and implement preventive measures to slow down propagation and human infections. In addition, we believe that it is crucial to maintain the confidence and membership of stakeholders for the monitoring of the programs, in particular agricultural workers. “”

Elyse Stachler, PHD, member of the GVN and researcher, Broad Institute of MIT

“We defend community -oriented strategies to ensure the success of the implementation of vaccines, if necessary,” said Christian Bréchot, MD, PHD, Vice-President of the Board of Directors and President Emeritus of the GVN and Director of the Microbiomes Institute and Dean Main Partner for Research in World Affairs of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, USA. “The situation with H5N1 requires increased vigilance and collaboration in the public health sectors. Early detection and robust monitoring are essential to prevent additional spread.”