During a briefing in Rome, officials from FAO urged Member States to take immediate action to control the spread of avian flu by strengthening biosecurity, surveillance, and rapid-response measures. FAO Deputy Director-General Godfrey Magwenzi emphasized that the outbreak poses a significant threat to food security and supply, as well as the livelihoods and economies of affected countries. With millions relying on poultry for food, it is crucial to not only contain the virus but also protect food production systems.
The economic impact of the outbreak is being felt globally, with egg prices reaching a record high in the United States and over 166 million birds being slaughtered due to avian flu. FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol stressed the need for a coordinated global response, as H5N1 is a transboundary threat that no country can handle alone. To address the crisis, FAO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have launched a ten-year Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza.
Ms. Bechdol stated, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. By working together, we can reduce the impact of avian influenza and protect both animal and human health – locally and globally.” FAO remains committed to monitoring, data sharing, and providing technical guidance to help countries contain the virus. The private sector also plays a crucial role in developing vaccines, diagnostics, and high-quality animal health services.
The briefing also included a third call for funding proposals under the Pandemic Fund, hosted by the World Bank. Over the past two years, FAO has co-led numerous projects under the Pandemic Fund, aimed at strengthening disease surveillance, early warning systems, and health infrastructure to prevent future outbreaks. Avian flu has spread to new regions, causing significant losses in domestic birds and posing a threat to biodiversity, with at least 300 new wild bird species affected since 2021.