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Discussion thread: H5N1 avian flu in US dairy cows including human cases (poultry, dairy workers) - March 24, 2024 +
- Thread starter Treyfish
- Start date
Treyfish
Moderator
:tiphat: I mean really? They let this fly? They would have me by the short hairs if I tried something like that! Thanks Texas!
…..Bird flu continues to appear to pose a "low risk to the general public" for now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. But the agency's scientists ran into roadblocks investigating a human case of this "pandemic potential" virus this year, they said in a new report.
Epidemiologists from the agency were ultimately unable to access a Texas dairy farm where a human was infected with the virus in March, they disclosed in attachments to the report published Friday by the New England Journal of Medicine. That prevented investigators from being able to investigate how workers might have been exposed to the virus on the farm.
That is because the dairy worker who came to a Texas field office for testing "did not disclose the name of their workplace," said Lara Anton, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services.
They also were unable to collect follow-up samples from the dairy farm worker or their contacts, which could have revealed missed cases as well as…..:tiphat:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bird-flu-pandemic-potential-cdc-investigation/
…..Bird flu continues to appear to pose a "low risk to the general public" for now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. But the agency's scientists ran into roadblocks investigating a human case of this "pandemic potential" virus this year, they said in a new report.
Epidemiologists from the agency were ultimately unable to access a Texas dairy farm where a human was infected with the virus in March, they disclosed in attachments to the report published Friday by the New England Journal of Medicine. That prevented investigators from being able to investigate how workers might have been exposed to the virus on the farm.
That is because the dairy worker who came to a Texas field office for testing "did not disclose the name of their workplace," said Lara Anton, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services.
They also were unable to collect follow-up samples from the dairy farm worker or their contacts, which could have revealed missed cases as well as…..:tiphat:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bird-flu-pandemic-potential-cdc-investigation/
sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
For those who do not know, Toaster2 is a virologist.
sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
It is a real problem how to communicate the risk of an H5N1 pandemic when all of the government entities are saying the risk is "low".
Well - it isn't zero.
The current diary cattle strain is deadly to domestic cats:
"There have been a large number of reports of infections in domestic cats (8) 2, wild and farmed foxes (9), farmed mink (10), and wild pinnipeds (6) 1. Reported disease in these species is severe, often comprising neurological clinical signs, respiratory distress and death. During mammalian infections the panzootic genotypes very quickly gain mammalian adaptations in their polymerase genes, often within a single mammalian infection (11) 1. Furthermore there is some evidence of limited or even sustained mammal-to-mammal transmission, particularly in mink farm outbreaks (9, 10) 3, and among sea lions and fur seals in South America (6, 12)." link
Any virus that is killing domestic cats is not a good thing for humans.
The individual states appear to be in charge of the situation and so we have a very limited look into the real situation on the ground. A travesty really.
Everyone should be familiar with pandemic issues by now. As usual, assess your individual risk factors, use at least two sources for your news, & use your common sense.
As M. Osterholm said on his latest podcast: "Chance favors only the prepared mind." - Louis Pasteur link
Think about it. What if.....
Well - it isn't zero.
The current diary cattle strain is deadly to domestic cats:
"There have been a large number of reports of infections in domestic cats (8) 2, wild and farmed foxes (9), farmed mink (10), and wild pinnipeds (6) 1. Reported disease in these species is severe, often comprising neurological clinical signs, respiratory distress and death. During mammalian infections the panzootic genotypes very quickly gain mammalian adaptations in their polymerase genes, often within a single mammalian infection (11) 1. Furthermore there is some evidence of limited or even sustained mammal-to-mammal transmission, particularly in mink farm outbreaks (9, 10) 3, and among sea lions and fur seals in South America (6, 12)." link
Any virus that is killing domestic cats is not a good thing for humans.
The individual states appear to be in charge of the situation and so we have a very limited look into the real situation on the ground. A travesty really.
Everyone should be familiar with pandemic issues by now. As usual, assess your individual risk factors, use at least two sources for your news, & use your common sense.
As M. Osterholm said on his latest podcast: "Chance favors only the prepared mind." - Louis Pasteur link
Think about it. What if.....
Treyfish
Moderator
:tiphat:They need to back off': Farm states push back on Biden’s bird flu response
The CDC is locked in a power struggle with key states and agriculture players as it tries to better track the virus and prevent another potential pandemic.
By MEREDITH LEE HILL, DAVID LIM and MARCIA BROWN
05/06/2024 05:00 AM EDT
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is at odds with state officials and the dairy industry over its on-the-ground response to the avian flu outbreak spreading among dairy cows, complicating President Joe Biden’s efforts to track and contain a virus that has the potential to sicken millions of people.
Many farmers don’t want federal health officials on their property. State agriculture officials worry the federal response is sidelining animal health experts at the Agriculture Department, and also that some potential federal interventions threaten to hinder state and local health officials rushing to respond to the outbreaks.
……
Texas, the first state where the bird flu virus was detected, has not invited the CDC to conduct epidemiological field studies there, even though its health department is open to the research, because, “We haven’t found a dairy farm that is interested in participating,” said Lara Anton, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services.…..
:tiphat: On recent conference calls with all 50 state agriculture chiefs and veterinarians, Shah and other senior CDC officials have raised the prospect of sending federal teams to farms to monitor the health of farmworkers and collect other data, including with a survey, according to three state agriculture officials and two other people familiar with the conversation who were granted anonymity to discuss the private calls. State agriculture officials quickly voiced opposition, citing concerns about biosecurity on farms and reluctance among farmers to allow federal officials onto their property.….
:tiphat:
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/06/bird-flu-dairy-farms-cdc-00156119
The CDC is locked in a power struggle with key states and agriculture players as it tries to better track the virus and prevent another potential pandemic.
By MEREDITH LEE HILL, DAVID LIM and MARCIA BROWN
05/06/2024 05:00 AM EDT
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is at odds with state officials and the dairy industry over its on-the-ground response to the avian flu outbreak spreading among dairy cows, complicating President Joe Biden’s efforts to track and contain a virus that has the potential to sicken millions of people.
Many farmers don’t want federal health officials on their property. State agriculture officials worry the federal response is sidelining animal health experts at the Agriculture Department, and also that some potential federal interventions threaten to hinder state and local health officials rushing to respond to the outbreaks.
……
Texas, the first state where the bird flu virus was detected, has not invited the CDC to conduct epidemiological field studies there, even though its health department is open to the research, because, “We haven’t found a dairy farm that is interested in participating,” said Lara Anton, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services.…..
:tiphat: On recent conference calls with all 50 state agriculture chiefs and veterinarians, Shah and other senior CDC officials have raised the prospect of sending federal teams to farms to monitor the health of farmworkers and collect other data, including with a survey, according to three state agriculture officials and two other people familiar with the conversation who were granted anonymity to discuss the private calls. State agriculture officials quickly voiced opposition, citing concerns about biosecurity on farms and reluctance among farmers to allow federal officials onto their property.….
:tiphat:
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/06/bird-flu-dairy-farms-cdc-00156119
sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
FluTrackers.com
@FluTrackers
·
25s
US - In a call to states' public health officials & partner orgs the "CDC asked
that jurisdictions make PPE available to workers on dairy farms, poultry
farms, and in slaughterhouses."
https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/united-states/h5n1-tracking-af/987593-us-dairy-cows-test-positive-for-h5n1-avian-flu-in-texas-kansas-idaho-michigan-new-mexico-ohio-north-carolina-south-dakota-colorado-march-24-one-known-human-case-texas-april-1?p=990114#post990114… #H5N1
sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
Please see:
CDC - Updated Interim Recommendations for Worker Protection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Reduce Exposure to Novel Influenza A Viruses Associated with Disease in Humans - April 26, 2024
https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...sociated-with-disease-in-humans-april-26-2024
CDC - Updated Interim Recommendations for Worker Protection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Reduce Exposure to Novel Influenza A Viruses Associated with Disease in Humans - April 26, 2024
https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...sociated-with-disease-in-humans-april-26-2024
Treyfish
Moderator
FIRST OPINION
As livestock move around the country, so does H5N1. The U.S. needs real-time tracking of livestock movements
May 7, 2024
By Shweta Bansal and Colleen Webb
The presence of H5N1 avian influenza virus, better known as bird flu, among dairy cows in Texas — the second largest producer of dairy cattle — was first confirmed in late March. By then, H5N1 had likely been circulating among dairy cows for months. Six weeks later, the nine states responsible for more than one-quarter of U.S. dairy production, which accounts for 3.5% of the U.S.’s gross domestic product, had each reported H5N1 cases in dairy cows and continue to do so.
Many questions remain open about the transmission of H5N1 among dairy cows and about the possibility of the virus adapting to transmit among humans. Even with the best possible outcomes, this outbreak reveals the precipice on which the U.S. rests with respect to livestock diseases.
In the event of an infectious disease outbreak in livestock, even one that does not directly threaten human health, the costs can be catastrophic. The production of animal products (milk, other dairy products, eggs, and meat) can decrease drastically. Other costs can come from the control efforts or trade bans and loss of consumer demand. Twenty years ago, a single case of “mad cow disease” caused U.S. beef exports to plummet by more than $2.5 billion, and domestic prices fell by 16%.
News of the spread of avian influenza among U.S. dairy cows in late April led cattle futures to fall sharply at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (the largest U.S. exchange for cattle futures). And Colombia, which buys $43 million in beef annually from the U.S., has restricted beef imports, even though no evidence has yet been found of the virus in beef cattle.
....
National-scale movement of farm animals as they transition through the production cycle is a key component of this highly specialized industry and is unlikely to change. In the U.S., beef cattle might be born in one place, raised and fattened in another, then killed and butchered in another. The U.S. livestock industry is geographically dispersed and intensely connected: 60% of cattle born in a year cross state borders...
Livestock markets act much as airports do for humans: they bring together animals (sometimes of multiple species) coming from many different farms, creating opportunities for contact between infected and susceptible animals before being sold and dispersed to other far-flung farms. Feedlots, facilities at which animals are fattened before slaughter or before being returned to the same or different dairy farms for stronger milk production, can also act as hubs for propagating infection.
In response to the evolving H5N1 outbreak, the USDA has placed additional influenza-testing requirements on interstate movements of dairy cows. However, the limited information available about livestock movement indicates that the movements of most cattle (dairy or beef) from or to markets occur within states. While the USDA strategy is essential in limiting the geographical diffusion of H5N1, the disease could be moving long distances within states without detection.....
:tiphat: lots more...
https://www.statnews.com/2024/05/07/tracking-h5n1-means-tracking-livestock-movements-around-the-us/
As livestock move around the country, so does H5N1. The U.S. needs real-time tracking of livestock movements
May 7, 2024
By Shweta Bansal and Colleen Webb
The presence of H5N1 avian influenza virus, better known as bird flu, among dairy cows in Texas — the second largest producer of dairy cattle — was first confirmed in late March. By then, H5N1 had likely been circulating among dairy cows for months. Six weeks later, the nine states responsible for more than one-quarter of U.S. dairy production, which accounts for 3.5% of the U.S.’s gross domestic product, had each reported H5N1 cases in dairy cows and continue to do so.
Many questions remain open about the transmission of H5N1 among dairy cows and about the possibility of the virus adapting to transmit among humans. Even with the best possible outcomes, this outbreak reveals the precipice on which the U.S. rests with respect to livestock diseases.
In the event of an infectious disease outbreak in livestock, even one that does not directly threaten human health, the costs can be catastrophic. The production of animal products (milk, other dairy products, eggs, and meat) can decrease drastically. Other costs can come from the control efforts or trade bans and loss of consumer demand. Twenty years ago, a single case of “mad cow disease” caused U.S. beef exports to plummet by more than $2.5 billion, and domestic prices fell by 16%.
News of the spread of avian influenza among U.S. dairy cows in late April led cattle futures to fall sharply at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (the largest U.S. exchange for cattle futures). And Colombia, which buys $43 million in beef annually from the U.S., has restricted beef imports, even though no evidence has yet been found of the virus in beef cattle.
....
National-scale movement of farm animals as they transition through the production cycle is a key component of this highly specialized industry and is unlikely to change. In the U.S., beef cattle might be born in one place, raised and fattened in another, then killed and butchered in another. The U.S. livestock industry is geographically dispersed and intensely connected: 60% of cattle born in a year cross state borders...
Livestock markets act much as airports do for humans: they bring together animals (sometimes of multiple species) coming from many different farms, creating opportunities for contact between infected and susceptible animals before being sold and dispersed to other far-flung farms. Feedlots, facilities at which animals are fattened before slaughter or before being returned to the same or different dairy farms for stronger milk production, can also act as hubs for propagating infection.
In response to the evolving H5N1 outbreak, the USDA has placed additional influenza-testing requirements on interstate movements of dairy cows. However, the limited information available about livestock movement indicates that the movements of most cattle (dairy or beef) from or to markets occur within states. While the USDA strategy is essential in limiting the geographical diffusion of H5N1, the disease could be moving long distances within states without detection.....
:tiphat: lots more...
https://www.statnews.com/2024/05/07/tracking-h5n1-means-tracking-livestock-movements-around-the-us/
Treyfish
Moderator
To combat cow flu outbreak, scientists plan to infect cattle with influenza in high-security labs
Novel effort comes as study finds key receptor for avian flu virus in udders
Six weeks into the outbreak that has spread to farms in nine U.S. states, the flow of data from those locations remains limited as public health officials sort out authorities and some farms resist oversight. “It’s incredibly difficult to get the right sample sets off the infected farms,” says Richard Webby, an avian influenza researcher at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “It’s clearly a barrier to understanding what’s going on. … That’s why these experimental infections of cows are really going to be super informative.”
....
The results are potentially important but also preliminary, Beer cautions, noting that distinguishing between some types of sialic acids can be difficult. But Webby, one of the preprint’s authors, says it’s obvious the udders are especially hospitable to the virus. “We clearly know the receptors are in there for the avian virus because it's growing like a weed.” The authors also expressed concern that cows, like pigs, could become influenza “mixing vessels” that create dangerous new human strains when avian and mammalian flu viruses that simultaneously infect an animal exchange genes. Beer says he’s more worried, however, about an avian virus slowly adapting.....
.....But the rapid viral growth in cow udders raises concerns that the avian virus could learn to latch on to the mammal-specific virus receptor also in the udder, says Tom Peacock, an influenza virologist at the Pirbright Institute. “It seems a good reason to get this eradicated from cattle as soon as possible.”.....
“The big question right now is whether the virus is mechanically transmitted or can be transmitted from cow to cow via aerosol as well,” says Jürgen Richt, a virologist at Kansas State University.....
...Richt, who runs one such facility, plans to inoculate the nose and mouth of male and female cows with the same strain Diel sent Beer. “Then we will look at what’s happening within the animals,” he says. “We will kill some of them after 4 or 5 days and look where the virus is in the body.” Others will be watched for weeks to see whether they develop antibodies to H5N1 and how long they shed the virus in various ways.,,,,,
:tiphat
lenty more...
https://www.science.org/content/art...an-infect-cattle-influenza-high-security-labs
Novel effort comes as study finds key receptor for avian flu virus in udders
- 7 MAY 2024
- 10:00 AM ET
- BYKAI KUPFERSCHMIDT
Six weeks into the outbreak that has spread to farms in nine U.S. states, the flow of data from those locations remains limited as public health officials sort out authorities and some farms resist oversight. “It’s incredibly difficult to get the right sample sets off the infected farms,” says Richard Webby, an avian influenza researcher at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “It’s clearly a barrier to understanding what’s going on. … That’s why these experimental infections of cows are really going to be super informative.”
....
The results are potentially important but also preliminary, Beer cautions, noting that distinguishing between some types of sialic acids can be difficult. But Webby, one of the preprint’s authors, says it’s obvious the udders are especially hospitable to the virus. “We clearly know the receptors are in there for the avian virus because it's growing like a weed.” The authors also expressed concern that cows, like pigs, could become influenza “mixing vessels” that create dangerous new human strains when avian and mammalian flu viruses that simultaneously infect an animal exchange genes. Beer says he’s more worried, however, about an avian virus slowly adapting.....
.....But the rapid viral growth in cow udders raises concerns that the avian virus could learn to latch on to the mammal-specific virus receptor also in the udder, says Tom Peacock, an influenza virologist at the Pirbright Institute. “It seems a good reason to get this eradicated from cattle as soon as possible.”.....
“The big question right now is whether the virus is mechanically transmitted or can be transmitted from cow to cow via aerosol as well,” says Jürgen Richt, a virologist at Kansas State University.....
...Richt, who runs one such facility, plans to inoculate the nose and mouth of male and female cows with the same strain Diel sent Beer. “Then we will look at what’s happening within the animals,” he says. “We will kill some of them after 4 or 5 days and look where the virus is in the body.” Others will be watched for weeks to see whether they develop antibodies to H5N1 and how long they shed the virus in various ways.,,,,,
:tiphat
lenty more...https://www.science.org/content/art...an-infect-cattle-influenza-high-security-labs
sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
I can't even express my feelings about the lack of testing/visibilty. What comes to mind is China.
The feds need to get out their checkbook. It is probably the only thing that will make a difference. Farmer $ relief for H5N1 losses in exchange for access and cooperation. State reimbursement for various H5N1 costs in exchange for assistance with access and information.
Everything usually boils down to money.
The feds need to get out their checkbook. It is probably the only thing that will make a difference. Farmer $ relief for H5N1 losses in exchange for access and cooperation. State reimbursement for various H5N1 costs in exchange for assistance with access and information.
Everything usually boils down to money.
sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
I guess I am a little rusty after 18 years. lol Thank you for clearing that up. 
sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
hat tip @Alexander_Tin
Alexander Tin's notes
snip
EPI-WIN webinar by WHO regarding H5N1 detected in dairy cattle
snip
Todd Davis, CDC [00:47:06]
So there obviously is a lot of interest in understanding the potential for seroprevalence studies.
Currently, the influenza division is working with state and local public health departments to initiate serology studies in farm workers. So we hope to have more information on this very soon. So those studies are being initiated shortly.
https://tinalexander.github.io/note...y-who-regarding-h5n1-detected-in-dairy-cattle
Alexander Tin's notes
snip
EPI-WIN webinar by WHO regarding H5N1 detected in dairy cattle
- Source: webinar
- Attribution: broadcasted by the World Health Organization
- Date: occurred May 6, 2024
snip
Todd Davis, CDC [00:47:06]
So there obviously is a lot of interest in understanding the potential for seroprevalence studies.
Currently, the influenza division is working with state and local public health departments to initiate serology studies in farm workers. So we hope to have more information on this very soon. So those studies are being initiated shortly.
https://tinalexander.github.io/note...y-who-regarding-h5n1-detected-in-dairy-cattle
sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
Kai Kupferschmidt
@kakape
In his media briefing just now,
@WHO
director general
@DrTedros
called out the US response to #H5N1: 220 people are being monitored and at least 30 have been tested, he noted. "However, many more people have been exposed to infected animals and it's important that all those exposed are tested or monitored and receive care if needed.."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have lambasted China for years for their lack of disclosure. Now the US - in effect - is doing the same thing. Shameful.
Get out the federal checkbook and start trading cash for cooperation and information. We do that all over the world. Years ago we helped Egypt financially with their H5N1 problem through Namru and USAID + actual cash. Where is the $ for US states and farmers?
What are our priorities? We hand out US taxpayer money all over the world - H5N1 is having a world effect. Hand out $ domestically too.
omg....this is not brain surgery....this is pandemic response 101.
Commonground
Senior Moderator
I listened to the media briefing, and Dr Tedros states "at least" 220 people are being monitored
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Please see:
How CDC is monitoring influenza data to better understand the current avian influenza A (H5N1) situation in people (Updated May 3, 2024)
Excerpt:
Monitoring of Persons Exposed to Infected Animals*
February 2022 - Present
CDC and state and local health departments monitor people exposed to infected birds, poultry or other animals for 10 days after exposure. Between February 2022 and now, there have been
- At least 9,000 people monitored and
- At least 200 people tested for novel influenza A
CDC and state and local health departments monitor people exposed to infected cattle for 10 days after exposure. Between March 2024 and now, there have been
- At least 220 people monitored
- At least 30 persons tested for novel influenza A
- One case of avian influenza A(H5N1) was identified
https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...-h5n1-situation-in-people-updated-may-3-2024
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing – 8 May 2024
8 May 2024
...
Now to the United States, and the outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza among dairy cattle.
So far, 36 dairy herds have been infected in nine states. Only one human case has been reported, at least 220 people are being monitored and at least 30 have been tested.
However, many more people have been exposed to infected animals, and it is important that all those exposed are tested or monitored, and receive care if needed.
So far, the virus does not show signs of having adapted to spread among humans, but more surveillance is needed.
The virus has been detected in raw milk in the US, but preliminary tests show that pasteurization kills the virus.
WHO’s standing advice in all countries is that people should consume pasteurized milk.
Based on the available information, WHO continues to assess the public health risk posed by H5N1 avian influenza to be low, and low-to-moderate for people exposed to infected animals.
In recent years, H5N1 has spread widely among wild birds, poultry, land and marine mammals, and now among dairy cattle.
Since 2021, there have been 28 reported cases in humans, although no human-to-human transmission has been documented in that time.
WHO has a strong system for monitoring influenza around the world, through a network of influenza centres in 130 countries, 7 Collaborating Centres and 12 reference laboratories with the capacities and biosafety requirements to deal with H5 viruses.
We also have the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework, to support the rapid development and equitable distribution of vaccines in case of an influenza pandemic.
However, no similar system exists for other pathogens – a gap that WHO Member States are now seeking to close through the Pandemic Agreement.
The outbreak of H5N1 in dairy cattle also demonstrates the importance of a One Health approach that recognizes the intimate links between the health of humans, animals and our environment.
These two systems – one to prevent outbreaks and pandemics through a One Health approach, and another to respond to them by sharing vaccines – are two vital elements of the Pandemic Agreement that WHO Member States are negotiating as we speak.
I am encouraged that all 194 Member States are strongly committed to finalizing the agreement in time for the World Health Assembly. They are working long hours to find common ground, in good faith, for the people of the world.
===
https://www.who.int/director-genera...ning-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-8-may-2024
8 May 2024
...
Now to the United States, and the outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza among dairy cattle.
So far, 36 dairy herds have been infected in nine states. Only one human case has been reported, at least 220 people are being monitored and at least 30 have been tested.
However, many more people have been exposed to infected animals, and it is important that all those exposed are tested or monitored, and receive care if needed.
So far, the virus does not show signs of having adapted to spread among humans, but more surveillance is needed.
The virus has been detected in raw milk in the US, but preliminary tests show that pasteurization kills the virus.
WHO’s standing advice in all countries is that people should consume pasteurized milk.
Based on the available information, WHO continues to assess the public health risk posed by H5N1 avian influenza to be low, and low-to-moderate for people exposed to infected animals.
In recent years, H5N1 has spread widely among wild birds, poultry, land and marine mammals, and now among dairy cattle.
Since 2021, there have been 28 reported cases in humans, although no human-to-human transmission has been documented in that time.
WHO has a strong system for monitoring influenza around the world, through a network of influenza centres in 130 countries, 7 Collaborating Centres and 12 reference laboratories with the capacities and biosafety requirements to deal with H5 viruses.
We also have the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework, to support the rapid development and equitable distribution of vaccines in case of an influenza pandemic.
However, no similar system exists for other pathogens – a gap that WHO Member States are now seeking to close through the Pandemic Agreement.
The outbreak of H5N1 in dairy cattle also demonstrates the importance of a One Health approach that recognizes the intimate links between the health of humans, animals and our environment.
These two systems – one to prevent outbreaks and pandemics through a One Health approach, and another to respond to them by sharing vaccines – are two vital elements of the Pandemic Agreement that WHO Member States are negotiating as we speak.
I am encouraged that all 194 Member States are strongly committed to finalizing the agreement in time for the World Health Assembly. They are working long hours to find common ground, in good faith, for the people of the world.
===
https://www.who.int/director-genera...ning-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-8-may-2024