Updated joint FAO/WHO/WOAH public health assessment of recent high pathogenicity avian influenza A(H5) virus events in animals and people

Overview

Based on currently available information, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO)/World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) assess the global public health risk posed by Gs/Gd-like high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses as low. The risk of infection for occupationally or frequently exposed persons (e.g., with backyard poultry) is assessed as low to moderate depending on local epidemiologic conditions and the risk mitigation and hygiene measures in place. Transmission among animals continues and sporadic human infections at the human-animal-environment interface continue to be reported. While additional human infections associated with exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments are expected, the overall global public health impact of such infections is currently considered minor. The assessment may change rapidly as new epidemiological or virological information becomes available.