FAO presents recommendations in response to the reappearance of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today launched a new publication to address the management of health emergencies in response to the rise in highly pathogenic avian influenza cases in some countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.  

The report, Emergency, and Response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, gathers regional experiences on the collaborative efforts undertaken by 15 countries in the region between 2022 and 2024.  

The report covers the main characteristics of the disease, its frequency and regional distribution since 2022,  as well as the key prevention and control strategies implemented by the countries during the emergency.  

"We know that this season has been particularly active for some countries in our region, and at FAO, we want to continue supporting countries to enhance their response capabilities to the highly pathogenic avian influenza emergency. This analysis of accumulated regional experience provides clear and detailed guidelines on prevention, control, and how to tackle a potential emergency," said Andrés González, FAO Sustainable Livestock Officer, Animal Health and Biodiversity.  

Among the most important lessons are the recognition of the disease's epidemiological complexity, its economic and biodiversity impacts, and the need for higher levels of preparedness to address a broad and complex health contingency—particularly at critical points such as the culling of laying hens in cages, wildlife management, and control zone management. The report also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling the emergency and the collaboration between countries during the preparedness phase and in responding to the emergency.  

Regarding the main actions for the region, the document mentions strengthening preventive measures for a potential emergency, such as tabletop or field exercises, risk communication, enhancing diagnostic capacity, training veterinarians and technicians, and preparing national teams to respond to a possible national emergency.  

"It has been evident that based on the disease's epidemiology revealed in the regional outbreaks, responding to the impacts on domestic animals, wildlife, and humans requires essential coordination and multidisciplinary, multisectoral collaboration. This must be done under the One Health approach, considering all interactions between animals, humans, and the environment," added the FAO Officer.  

On December 6, 2024, the Organization made an official call to intensify surveillance and preparedness for the bird migration season in Latin America and the Caribbean, considering the current epidemiological situation in North America. This was due to the migratory routes of wild birds heading southward and the potential movement of the virus.  

Between October 2024 and February 2025, outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza—either in wild or domestic birds—were reported in Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Puerto Rico.  

Recommendations for Surveillance in Cattle  

Additionally, FAO has recently launched a new global publication in Spanish, offering recommendations to help countries improve cattle surveillance of influenza A(H5N1).  

The report, Recommendations for the Surveillance of Influenza A(H5N1) in Cattle, highlights the importance of being prepared and responding quickly to the recent cases in that population.   

Training for Professionals  

FAO also provides the region with self-learning courses on avian influenza and the Good Emergency Management Practices (GEMP) system for animal health emergencies.  

According to FAO Campus statistics, 3,539 people enrolled in avian influenza courses (available in Spanish and Portuguese) during 2024. Of these, 35% were from the academic field, while 34% were from the public administration sector.  

For GEMP courses, 3,412 people enrolled in 2024 in Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese versions.  

Avian influenza and GEMP courses are free on the FAO Campus platform.