WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/GEN/569 
20 June 2005 
 (05-2588) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:   English/ 
 French/  Spanish 
 
  
AVIAN INFLUENZA 
 
Communication from the OIE
 
 
 
 The following communication, received on 16 June 2005, is being circulated at the request of 
the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).  
 
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 G/SPS/GEN/569 
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OIE/FAO INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE ON AVIAN INFLUENZA 
OIE,  PARIS, FRANCE, 7–8 APRIL 2005 
 
RECOMMENDATIONS
 
  
CONSIDERING THAT: 
 1. Preventing the spread of pathogens through intern ational trade in animals and animal products 
is one of the primary missions of the World Orga nisation for Animal Health (OIE).  This is 
accomplished by establishing and updating interna tional standards and guidelines that prevent 
spread of pathogens while avoidi ng unjustified sanitary barriers,  
2. The OIE works in close association with FAO in  helping countries implement such standards 
and guidelines, 
3. The FAO has as its foremost mission to alleviate poverty through the promotion of 
sustainable agricultural production, food secur ity and safe and wholesome food products on 
the market places, and response to crises caused  by animal diseases including zoonoses. This 
is particularly relevant to the FAO prio rity programme EMPRES (Emergency Prevention 
System for the Prevention of Plant and Animal  Pests and Diseases), and specifically to the 
Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), 
4. The OIE standards for terrestrial animals are contained in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code 
(the Terrestrial Code) and the Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial 
Animals (the Terrestrial Manual),  
5. The collection, analysis and dissemination of vete rinary scientific information is also one of 
the main missions of the OIE. Comprehensive analysis of agro-ecological factors, production 
parameters, and demographics, including animal  census, as done at FAO provides additional 
understanding in disease occurrences and offe rs opportunities to develop strategic 
intervention measures, 
6. The standards developed by the OIE are rec ognised as international standards for animal 
health and zoonoses by the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Measures (SPS Agreement) of the World Trade Organization (WTO); the OIE also serving as 
a partner with the FAO/WHO Codex Alimen tarius on animal production food safety.  
Implementation of these standards by Member Co untries also has benefits for public health 
(including food safety) and improvement of animal production, 
7. Infectious animal diseases and zoonoses such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) 
represent a major constraint to efficient pou ltry production and regiona l and international 
exchanges, present a threat to the livelihood of farmers especially in developing countries, to 
public health, and to national economies,  
8. During the past few years, the world has witn essed the emergence of a severe avian influenza 
epidemic that has had a major impact on animal  health and the potential for serious human 
health outcomes. This has severely affected the economies of developed as well as developing countries, 
9. FAO emergency implementation of some 19 project s at national, regional, and supra-regional 
level for HPAI prevention, control, and er adication is recognised and has improved the 
current outlook, with the publication of Guiding Principles for Surveillance and Recommendations taking into account OIE sta ndards, supported by WHO and the donor 
community,  G/SPS/GEN/569 
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 10. Recent research has confirmed that certain aqua tic birds (particularly domestic ducks) can act 
as reservoirs of infection for HPAI H5N1 with or without clinical signs and are capable of 
excreting viruses in the environment,  
11. Many of the countries infected or threatened by AI are under-resourced and lack the capacity 
of Veterinary Services for an effective early de tection and response to the epidemic in poultry, 
12. New scientific and technological knowledge fo r the prevention and control of AI will 
contribute to the development of safer and more  efficacious measures for the final control and 
eradication of the disease, 
13. For ethical, ecological and economic reasons, it is  no longer considered acceptable to control 
and eradicate diseases mainly by ap plying mass killing of animals, 
14. Safe and effective vaccines if used appropria tely can help improve animal health, public 
health, animal welfare, and agricultural sustaina bility; to protect the environment, maintain 
biodiversity, and protect consumers of animal products, 
15. The OIE, has incorporated wherever possible in to its standards and guidelines the most up-to-
date scientific knowledge on the use of appropr iate diagnostic tests, and disease prevention 
and control methods including vaccination, a nd has reviewed, commented, and endorsed the 
FAO Recommendations for the Control of HPAI in Asia, 
16. Recent scientific advances in the diagnostic field, in particular  the possibility to differentiate 
vaccinated animals from infected animals, ha ve been recently inco rporated into the 
Terrestrial Manual . Their implications have already been reflected in the review of the 
Terrestrial Code for disease control using appropriate vacci nation and for recovery of disease 
free status after occurrence of a disease, 
17. The Conference has provided an opportunity fo r the exchange of the latest scientific 
information at the global level that will also assist in the evaluation and improvement of the 
current OIE standards and FAO guidelines for be tter control of avian influenza and safety of 
regional and international trade of poultry and poultry products, implemen tation of strategies, 
and requirements for effective disease management, 
18. For this event, the OIE/FAO have acted in collaboration with WHO, with which a long and 
valuable tradition for confron ting zoonotic diseases exists, 
19. There is a need to harmonise communication on risk assessment and risk management,  
20. FAO has underlined the links and risks be tween farming systems, market chains, 
socioeconomic status, and epidemiology of HPAI in Asia, indicating that multidisciplinary 
approaches are required to adequately tackle the epidemic in poultry and prevent infection 
spread to humans,  
21. It is necessary to protect human health by co ntrolling the disease as a matter of priority at 
source, i.e. on farms and markets. It is essen tial to provide national a nd international support 
for the improvement of the efficiency of Veterinary Services for that purpose, 
22. Long-term prevention and control of AI need to  be compatible with social, economic and as 
technical considerations, 
23. Effective AI prevention and control require actions from local, national, regional, and 
international levels, 
24. The recently renewed agreement between OIE a nd FAO has led to synergistic approaches to 
fight transboundary animal diseases, partic ularly through the joint initiative GF-TADs, 
25. Research into better tools (diagnostics, vaccine s, anti-virals, adjuvants, disinfectants, for 
instance) and virus dynamics (excretion, pathogen esis, virulence genes) that will assist in G/SPS/GEN/569 
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 developing control strategies and prevention measures and better epidemiological studies in 
the country where the disease prevails is needed, 
26. The role of wild birds in spread of HPAI  H5N1 viruses remains unresolved. Circumstantial 
evidence suggests limited local infection of reside nt wild birds, but transfer of H5N1 HPAI 
viruses outside the outbreak zones by migrat ory birds has not been substantiated. 
 
CONFERENCE ATTENDEES OF THE OIE/FAO INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC 
CONFERENCE ON AVIAN INFLUENZA RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING: 
 
Session 1:  Ecology and epidemiology 
 1. To prevent the spread of AI viru ses to unaffected areas/countries. 
2. Country/regional specific studies should be conducted to establish the ecology and 
epidemiology of the AI virus in reservoir a nd spill-over species of poultry for the purpose of 
developing control programmes to stop virus cycling and re-infection. 
3. Surveillance and epidemiological studies in mi gratory and resident wild birds should be 
conducted to assess the role of wild birds in  the maintenance and dissemination of HPAI 
viruses. 
4. Develop sustainable risk-based surveillance progr ammes for poultry for early identification of 
AI virus transfer from reservoir species to agri cultural systems in order to know if and which 
AI viruses are present in poultry and develop rapi d mitigation and elimination strategies, if 
required. 
5. Encourage national laboratories to join multi-nati onal and international laboratory networks to 
share AI virus isolates, data and expertise in order to understand AI virus ecology and develop 
effective control strategies. 
6. Support pathogenesis studies in alternatively farmed birds (e.g. ostriches, waterfowl, 
pheasants, etc.), including an assessment of their role as intermediate hosts for transfer of AI 
viruses from wild birds to traditionally farmed  poultry species, and their potential role for 
supporting mutation of H5 and H7 LPAI to HPAI viruses. 
 
Session 2:  Pathogenesis 
 
1. Country authorities should be made aware of di fferent clinical syndromes in different hosts 
caused by infection by AI viruses as typical di sease signs have been seen in infections with 
recent isolates. 
2. Specific genes from virus isolates should be mon itored for evidence of reassortments and drift 
that may contribute to changes in virulence. 
3. Surveillance of birds for the presence of H9N2  viruses with the potentia l to infect mammals 
should be done. 
4. Consideration should be given to conduct monitoring of pigs at risk from infections with AI 
viruses with the potential to transmit to humans. 
5. Investigate the pathogenesis and epidemiology of  avian influenza viruses in different species 
of birds and mammals under the coordination of the joint OIE/FAO network with the support 
of the OIE/FAO Reference Laboratories for AI. 
6. Specific research be conducted on AI surve illance and vaccination in farmed ducks.   
  G/SPS/GEN/569 
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 Session 3:  Human health implications 
 
1. Further epidemiological studies at the human-animal interface as well as applied and basic 
research on H5N1 and other AI viruses with potential human health implication should be 
conducted urgently and by collaboration betw een the animal OIE/FAO network and the 
human WHO network. 
2. Coordinated research programs must involve veteri nary, public health and industry sectors.  
Safe and efficacious human and avian va ccines should be developed as a priority. 
3. Veterinary and Public health services should wo rk together to improve national, regional and 
global health security. Public health services should support the agriculture sector/veterinary 
services in order to control and eliminate the disease at source and to protect farmers and 
workers from animal infection in the most efficient and efficacious manner. 
4. Veterinary and Public health services should stre ngthen joint activities for surveillance of AI a 
at the human/animal interface. Animal virus is olates and sequence information should be 
swiftly exchanged between the international re ference laboratories of OIE-FAO and those of 
WHO. 
5. FAO, OIE and WHO should collaborate with thei r Member Countries in the development of 
appropriate strategies for effective inter-sectoral collaboration during and between crises associated with emergence of zoonoses. 
 
Session 4:  Diagnostics 
 1. OIE/FAO assist countries in enhancing their veterinary infrastructures to meet the current and 
future needs for early detection, surveillan ce and control programmes for avian influenza. 
2. OIE/FAO encourage countries/regions to devel op a laboratory network that would facilitate 
the local testing of specimens to decrease turn-around time for diagnostic test results while 
increasing overall testing capacity. This networ k should be coordinate d through the newly 
established OIE/FAO network (OFFLU) that c ould recommend appropriate testing methods, 
provide training to laboratory personnel, s upply quality reagents, and collaborate with 
OIE/FAO Reference Laboratories. 
3. OIE/FAO encourage development of training programmes for laboratory personnel to ensure 
that appropriate diagnostic tests are used, that test results are interpre ted correctly, and that 
appropriate quality assurance programmes are being used.   
4. OIE/FAO encourage development of rapid, sensitiv e, and cost-effective diagnostic tests that 
have been properly field validated according to OIE guidelines and appropriate for use in 
local laboratories involved in the diagnosis of avian influenza. 
5. OIE/FAO develop a prototype Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) that could be used by 
laboratories to facilitate the transfer of viruses to reference laboratories for 
epidemiologic/research purposes. 
 
Session 5:  Control of AI (with focus on vaccination) 
 
1. Infections with HPAI viruses be controlled at source, through implementation of risk 
reduction interventions, including improved bi osecurity, stamping out, vaccination, and 
education awareness programmes. 
2. Donors should give priority to reinforce Veterina ry Services and animal health infrastructures 
in countries infected or threatened by AI. G/SPS/GEN/569 
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 3. Vaccination should only be used in conjuncti on with monitoring of vaccinated flocks to 
ensure efficacy, proper use of the vacci ne and absence of virus circulation. 
4. Vaccines should comply with OIE standards a nd vaccination strategies should be consistent 
with guidelines developed by FAO, and of prove n efficacy under experimental and local field 
conditions. 
5. Vaccine delivery systems and vaccination ca mpaigns should be carefully organised and 
monitored by Veterinary Services. 
6. That, wherever appropriate, a surveillance syst em capable of differentiating infected from 
vaccinated birds (e.g DIVA) be applied (incl uding use of sentinel birds when possible). 
7. That surveillance programmes be defined before  vaccination is introduced. Likewise, an exit 
strategy has to be identified. 
8. That strategies be developed and evaluated in st atistically based field trials for the appropriate 
use of vaccination in different epidemiol ogical scenarios which may occur worldwide. 
 
Session 6:  Improvement of management tools 
 1. A master plan be prepared for the control a nd prevention of HPAI in Asia and in other 
threatened regions, with regional and international coordination. 
2. Adequate financial resources be invested to th e control of AI in Asia, which is currently 
estimated between 100 and 120 million USD over a 3–5 year period. 
3. The meeting strongly recommends that OIE and FAO implement activities of the joint global 
OIE/FAO network of expertise for avian influenza as soon as possible. 
4. The existing FAO regional networks for surveilla nce and diagnosis be sustained in the long 
term run. 
5. The FAO/OIE Global Framework for the Progr essive Control of Transboundary Animal 
Diseases (GF-TADs) initiatives be used as a foundation for the regional approach to the 
control and eradication of AI. The mandates and missions of international and regional 
organizations be harmonized to  avoid gaps and overlapping. 
6. Strategies are needed for financing sustainable, c oncrete action at local level. This is likely to 
include support for restocking or compen sation for losses and should also encompass 
education on safe poultry keeping and developmen t of appropriate infrastructure and services. 
7. National and regional strategies for AI prevention and control should include a careful 
assessment of the social and economic impact of  proposed measures, including the impact on 
the wider rural economy of changes in the poultr y sector. Options for long-term strategies for 
restructuring of the sectors be previously considered and the possible negative socio-
economic impacts on small and me dium holders be evaluated as well as the options and cost 
for mitigation strategies. 
8. That, when a decision is made to kill infected  or at-risk birds, birds should be humanely 
destroyed and disposed of along with dead poultry in line with OIE standa rds. In the case of 
HP infections, the birds should not be allowe d to enter the human food chain or be fed 
directly or indirectly to othe r animals including zoo animals. 
9. That the OIE International Committee adopts the proposed new surveillance guidelines on AI 
during the 73rd General Session.  G/SPS/GEN/569 
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 10. That the efficacy of risk reduction and prev ention procedures be monitored through targeted 
surveillance activities, including: 
• post-vaccination surveillance to me asure efficacy of vaccination, 
• early identification of virus circulation, 
• monitoring of genetic drift a nd emergence of new strains, 
• monitoring of reservoirs. 
11. That the concept of compartmentalisation be rec ognised as an additional tool in the control of 
AI and in the facilitation of safe international tr ade, subject to the effective implementation of 
the relevant control measures. 
12. That the OIE International Comm ittee adopt the proposed revised Terrestrial Code  chapter on 
AI that incorporates the concept of compar tmentalisation and that provides risk-based 
recommendations for trade in live poultry, genetic material and products for human 
consumption. It also encourages transpar ency in disease reporting, by limiting trade 
consequences to situations of significant risk. 
13. That the OIE and FAO continue to provide practical advice to Member Countries on the 
establishment and monitoring of compartments, through additional guidelines. 
14. That OIE Member Countries use the new Terrestrial Code  chapter and the surveillance 
appendix as a guide for their national activities and as standards for international trade. 
15. That the FAO, World Bank and other multilatera l and bilateral donors should continue to 
provide assistance to further strengthen countries ’ compliance with international standards, 
including on quality of Veterinary Services. 
16. That the OIE develop guidelines for AI virus inactivation in processed products.  
17. That strategies be developed for financing sust ainable, concrete action at local level, to 
include support for restocking or compensation for losses, to encompass education on safe 
poultry keeping and the development of appropriate infrastructure and services. 
18. That the OIE designate prescribed tests for intern ational trade where testing is required by the 
Terrestrial Code . 
19. That OIE/FAO Reference Laboratories collaborat e to exchange virus isolates and develop 
internationally agreed standards for diagnostic testing. The exchange of virus isolates and 
other information such as sequence data between the OIE/FAO network and the WHO 
laboratory network is urged. 
20. Decision making in animal disease control and prevention be based on scientific evidence 
arising from valid epidemiological data analysis generated from reliable information systems.  
All efforts should be made to develop such  systems even in developing countries. 
 
(Adopted by the OIE/FAO International Scientific Conference on Avian Influenza 
Paris (France), 7–8 April 2005) 
 
  
General Recommendation for the 73rd OIE General Session: 
 
The OIE refer the scientific information generated and discussed at this international conference, 
aswell as this Recommendation to the OIE Regional and relevant Specialist Commissions and request 
the endorsement by the OIE International Comm ittee during the 73 General Session in May 2005. 
 
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