Other countries at risk, with unpredictable outcomes
The current H7N3 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)
outbreaks occurring in Jalisco, Mexico, demonstrate the
constant risk from the circulation of avian influenza viruses to
poultry industries throughout the world. In countries that have
significant commercial poultry industries, with high numbers
of animals living in high-density populations, HPAI outbreaks
can cause rapid and severe economic losses to agro-industry
and trade. Countries with weaker infrastructure might
not withstand shocks to food prices and the resulting food
insecurity, especially for more vulnerable households.
This outbreak and its rapid spread through a major
production area that also supplies export markets is a stark
reminder of the need for constant high levels of biosecurity,
and the inherent challenges in actually achieving this, especially
in mixed systems where backyard holdings are also present.
Robust surveillance systems need to constantly monitor for H5
and H7 subtypes of avian influenza viruses.
While the origin is unknown, it is highly suspected that a
low pathogenic strain of a wild bird origin infected domestic
poultry.
Ever-stronger alliances combining industry, government
and farmers
A robust system that seamlessly combines passive and active
surveillance, implemented by the government administration
and proactively reinforced by private industry, is a more
sensitive model for prevention, early warning and response.
Early response should put in immediate motion the response
mechanisms to contain a disease outbreak, including the
fielding of trained personnel to investigate increased morbidity
and mortality in poultry flocks, to conduct examinations of the
affected animals, and to take appropriate samples for immediate
dispatch to laboratories. Field teams and laboratories should
always include avian influenza in the differential testing regime
for avian cases.