Abstract Title
Increase in global reporting of avian outbreaks and human infections, with avian influenza A viruses, 2013 to 2023
Abstract
Avian influenza (AI) virus detections continue to occur frequently and pose a health and economic risk. We provide an analysis of global AI animal outbreak and human case surveillance information from 2013-2023 to assess changes in AI global spread.
We analyzed AI virus infection reports among animals and humans submitted to animal and public health authorities from January 2013–December 2023 and compared them to reports from 2005–2012. A multivariable regression analysis was used to evaluate associations between variables of interest and reported AI virus animal outbreaks.
From 2013-2023, 64% (116/182) of WOAH member states identified 37 AI virus subtypes (17 high pathogenic [HPAI] and 20 low pathogenic) during 35,192 animal outbreaks; 19 (51%) subtypes were reported for the first-time and 96% of outbreaks were HPAI. The most frequently reported subtypes were HPAI H5N1 (21,173, 60%) and HPAI H5N8 (6,740, 19%). Of 194 WHO member states, 20 (10%) reported 2,044 AI infections of 11 virus subtypes among humans. Most infected humans (73%; 1501/2044) had a known animal exposure, 62% (1271/2044) were among working age adults (i.e., 18-64 years), and 22% (454/2044) died. AI animal outbreaks (β=0.37, p=0.0002) and human infections with AI virus (β=1.15, p<0.0001) were associated with increased poultry production.
AI outbreaks in animals occurred in more member states than previously reported. Nineteen new virus subtypes were identified representing a two-fold increase compared to 2005-2012. Most human infections were associated with animal exposure. Continued monitoring for AI in animals and humans will be essential for pandemic preparedness.
We analyzed AI virus infection reports among animals and humans submitted to animal and public health authorities from January 2013–December 2023 and compared them to reports from 2005–2012. A multivariable regression analysis was used to evaluate associations between variables of interest and reported AI virus animal outbreaks.
From 2013-2023, 64% (116/182) of WOAH member states identified 37 AI virus subtypes (17 high pathogenic [HPAI] and 20 low pathogenic) during 35,192 animal outbreaks; 19 (51%) subtypes were reported for the first-time and 96% of outbreaks were HPAI. The most frequently reported subtypes were HPAI H5N1 (21,173, 60%) and HPAI H5N8 (6,740, 19%). Of 194 WHO member states, 20 (10%) reported 2,044 AI infections of 11 virus subtypes among humans. Most infected humans (73%; 1501/2044) had a known animal exposure, 62% (1271/2044) were among working age adults (i.e., 18-64 years), and 22% (454/2044) died. AI animal outbreaks (β=0.37, p=0.0002) and human infections with AI virus (β=1.15, p<0.0001) were associated with increased poultry production.
AI outbreaks in animals occurred in more member states than previously reported. Nineteen new virus subtypes were identified representing a two-fold increase compared to 2005-2012. Most human infections were associated with animal exposure. Continued monitoring for AI in animals and humans will be essential for pandemic preparedness.
Co-Author(s)
Christine M. Szablewski, Lindsey M. Duca, and Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner (United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Abstract Category
Avian influenza in mammals, pandemic preparedness, and one health