Frequently Asked Questions on Zoonotic Influenza

Overview

Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is an illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the respiratory tract of many animals, birds, and humans. Influenza occurs globally and historical data illustrates the danger of transmission of influenza between animals and humans that can potentially contribute to the emergence of a pandemic. Avian influenza of subtypes H5N1 and H7N9 are classical examples of direct animal to human transmission. Studies have shown that people working in live bird markets, poultry farms and those involving in slaughtering and processing of poultry are exposed to avian influenza viruses. The differences between seasonal, zoonotic and pandemic influenza and importance of surveillance, laboratory investigation and intersectoral cooperation for prevention and control of zoonotic influenza have been elaborated. The WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) constantly monitor the evolution of influenza viruses circulating in humans through a network of National Influenza Centers and WHO Collaborating Centers for Influenza in order to make recommendation on seasonal influenza vaccine composition biannually. WHO, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are collaborating to track and assess the risk from avian and other zoonotic influenza viruses of public health concern.