Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The following webpage contains information on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and wild birds. It brings together the available statements and other resources published by the Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds.  

As an international treaty dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of migratory waterbirds in the African-Eurasian region, AEWA has been actively contributing to the work of the Scientific Task Force since its creation in 2005.   

 

Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds

In August 2005, concerns about the role of migratory birds as potential vectors of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus subtype H5N1 led the UNEP Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), in close cooperation with the Agreement on the Conservation of African Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), to establish a Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds.    

The Task Force aims to bring together the best scientific advice on the conservation impact of the spread of avian influenza, assessing the role of migratory birds as vectors of the virus.  It is also intended to issue advice on the root causes of the epidemic as well as on technically sound measures to combat it and to develop early warning systems. The Task Force draws on the expertise of conservation scientists, hunters, veterinarians, epidemiologists, virologists, land managers and other experts comprised of 14 members and observers, including UN bodies, wildlife treaties and specialist intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations.

For more information, please see the related publications, press releases and documents found below.