Virtual Update Meeting on the Situation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Americas

On April 14, the Virtual Update Meeting on the situation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the Americas region was held. The session took place within the framework of the GF‑TADs coordination mechanisms for the Americas, with an emphasis on surveillance, diagnostics, biosecurity, and regional technical cooperation. The objective was to update the epidemiological situation of HPAI, share national experiences and lessons learned, and discuss investment priorities to strengthen the regional animal health response. 

Contexto

HPAI currently constitutes a health emergency in the Americas, with recent outbreaks recorded between late 2025 and April 2026, which have been officially notified to WOAH in accordance with the Terrestrial Animal Health Code. In this context, it is timely to promote a regional exchange of information through the presentation of national situations and response actions implemented by affected countries, with the participation of Chief Veterinary Officers, epidemiology specialists, and other professionals involved. 

Meeting objectives

• Update the animal health situation of countries affected in the current wave of HPAI, by sharing key data, major changes observed in the virus, and experiences, good practices, and lessons learned in outbreak management.  
• Strengthen coordination and information sharing among members to ensure timely reporting of HPAI and effective coordination with neighboring countries and trading partners.  
• Facilitate technical exchange on advances in diagnostics, reference centers, genetic sequencing platforms, and the most recent recommendations from FAO and WOAH. 

Who participated

The meeting brought together representatives from official veterinary services, Brazil’s reference laboratory (LFDA*), international organizations (FAO, OIRSA, CAHFSA, CVP, SG‑CAN, IICA), and the private sector from various countries across the Americas. 

 More information: 

• Recommendations
• Program

*LFDA: Laboratórios Federais de Defesa Agropecuária; FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization; OIRSA: Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria; CAHFSA: Caribbean Agricultural Health & Food Safety Agency; CVP: Comité Veterinario Permanente del Cono Sur; SG-CAN: Secretaría General de la Comunidad Andina; IICA: Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture