The animal health community will provide early recognition and characterisation of emerging influenza viral strains in animal populations, and effective management of known infections, thereby better managing the risk to human health and supporting global food security, animal health and welfare, and other community benefits derived from domestic animals and wildlife.
Strengthen links between influenza experts in the animal and human health sectors by facilitating collaboration and coordinated exchanges of useful data and material
Develop documents, recommendations, and tools for prevention, surveillance, and control of animal influenza.
Advocate sharing of important virological and surveillance data with the wider scientific community, so that it can be used to inform surveillance programmes and control strategies.
Enhance capacity through training and involvement of professionals from less developed countries with experts from the network.
(Based at FAO)
Nick LyonsFocal Point
Gregorio Torres(Based at FAO)
Nick LyonsFocal Point
Magdi Samaan
Practical guide for authorised field responders to HPAI outbreaks in marine mammals with a focus on biosecurity, sample collection for virus detection and carcass disposal
These reports provide valuable insights into the epidemiology of the disease, risk factors for zoonotic transmission, and strategies for prevention and control.
Meeting play a crucial role in documenting the progress and outcomes of OFFLU’s meetings, ensuring that key information is recorded and shared with relevant stakeholders.
It involves various methods to assess the presence of pathogens in animals and humans, identify potential transmission routes, and inform public health measures.
OFFLU is a network of expertise on animal influenza established jointly in 2005 by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to support and coordinate global efforts to prevent, detect and control influenzas in animals.
OFFLU network comprises FAO/WOAH Reference Centres and world-leading experts across various disciplines, including diagnostics, epidemiology (classic and molecular), virology, animal production, veterinary medicine, and vaccinology. This multidisciplinary team collaborates to address animal influenza globally.
OFFLU participates in WHO VCM and contributes animal influenza data on 6 monthly basis for pandemic preparedness. WHO also participates as an observer in OFFLU activities, fostering collaboration between human and animal health sectors.
