State and situation of avian influenza in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Abstract

Avian influenza viruses have had a significant burden of disease on animal and public health in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. In this review, we aimed at describing the state of avian influenza in the region from 2011 to 2021. We gathered information available through the peer‐reviewed scientific literature, public gene sequence depositories, OIE World Animal Health Information System platform, World Health Organization FluNet, Joint External Evaluation reports, and governmental, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and World Organization for Animal Health websites. We used an interdisciplinary perspective consistent with the One Health approach to perform a qualitative synthesis and making recommendations. Analysis showed that although avian influenza research in the Eastern Mediterranean Region has gained more attention during the last decade, it was limited to only few countries and to basic science research. Data highlighted the weakness in surveillance systems and reporting platforms causing underestimation of the actual burden of disease among humans and animals. Inter‐sectoral communication and collaboration for avian influenza prevention, detection, and response remain weak. Influenza surveillance at the human‐animal interface and the application of the One Health paradigm are lacking. Countries' animal health and public health sectors rarely publish their surveillance data and findings. This review suggested that surveillance at the human‐animal interface, research, and reporting capacities should be enhanced to improve understanding and control of avian influenza in the region. Implementing a rapid and comprehensive One Health approach for zoonotic influenza in the Eastern Mediterranean Region is recommended.

Control of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic and vector-borne diseases in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region

“…Avian influenza A (H5N1) remains a major concern in the EMR and, according to a recent study, approximately 10,000 outbreaks due to various types of avian influenza were reported in birds and other species in the EMR from 2011 to 2021 (24). The majority of these avian outbreaks were reported in Iran, Egypt, and Iraq, whereas most other countries either reported no outbreaks or very few outbreaks in avian species.…”

Role of research Laboratories in pandemic and epidemic response in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Experiences from COVID‐19, avian influenza, and MERS‐CoV

“…HPAI H5N1 was first introduced to the EMR in Turkey in 2005 1 and into Egyptian poultry in 2006. 2 Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 virus was detected in 2011. Both viruses became endemic in the domestic poultry population.…”

“…Consequently, Egypt reported the highest number of (HPAI) H5N1 human cases and reported few cases of (LPAI) H9N2. 2 In response, a research surveillance program for avian influenza viruses was established. 3 This program provided insights into the epizootic situation showing that H5N1 and H9N2 viruses were constantly evolving genetically and antigenically and that both viruses were co‐circulating and co‐infecting.…”