FAO Calls for Urgent Action to Address Avian Influenza Surge in Asia-Pacific

The Food and Agriculture Organization has urged for immediate regional efforts to tackle the rising cases of avian influenza in the Asia-Pacific. With new A/H5N1 strains emerging, both human and animal infections are increasing, raising pandemic fears.

The United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization on Thursday called for urgent regional efforts to combat a rise in avian influenza cases across the Asia-Pacific region.

"Since late 2023, we have observed a rise in human cases and the virus spreading to new animal species," Kachen Wongsathapornchai, Regional Manager of the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), said in a statement.

"The emergence of novel A/H5N1 strains, which are more easily transmissible, increases the pandemic threat. Immediate, coordinated preventive measures are essential."

(With inputs from agencies.)