Reporting Avian Influenza surveillance.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) pose significant threats to poultry health and can transmit to humans.
• High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) causes severe mortality in poultry flocks.
• Early detection through surveillance in domestic poultry and wild birds is essential for disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a future vision for the collection and submission of AIV surveillance data to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
• To define mandatory and desirable data points for optimizing AIV surveillance programs.
• To propose actions for improving data collection and discuss their added value for Member States.

Main Methods:

• Collation, validation, analysis, and summarization of AIV surveillance data from European Member States.
• Collaboration with the Standing Working Group on AI and Member State representatives for feedback.
• Development of a scientific report detailing a future data collection framework.

Main Results:

• Description of data submission requirements ('mandatory') and data beneficial for optimized outputs ('desirable').
• Presentation of actionable steps for optimal data collection and analysis.
• Inclusion of an initial collection framework for 2019.

Conclusions:

• Optimized data collection is key to enhancing the effectiveness of avian influenza surveillance programs.
• Standardized data submission and analysis will improve early detection and response to AIV outbreaks.
• The proposed framework offers significant added value for Member States in managing avian influenza risks.