Chief Science Advisor’s Meeting on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza-A (HPAI-A) - May 23, 2024

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Chief Science Advisor’s Meeting on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza-A (HPAI-A)

May 23, 2024

Issue

The Chief Science Advisor of Canada (CSA) convened a meeting of Canadian federal organizations involved in emergency preparedness and management activities related to the current global highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI-A) outbreak in animals caused by the H5N1 virus.

HPAI-A (H5N1) has spread widely among birds around the globe since 2020–2021 with unprecedented numbers of deaths in wild birds and domestic poultry. It is increasingly spreading beyond birds to many land and marine mammals (frequently clade 2.3.4.4b), including more recently to dairy cattle in the U.S.

A key lesson from the recent COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of science prioritization and science advice coordination to ensure availability of evidence for decision making and emergency management. Given the unusual scale and impact of the HPAI-A (H5N1) in birds and an increasing concern about the rising number of species affected, the Chief Science Advisor brought Canadian federal organizations together, in consultation with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada, to focus on science needs and knowledge gaps for mitigating the spread and impact of H5N1.

The meeting had three objectives:

  1. Ensure whole-of-government science coordination.
  2. Identify scientific evidence gaps and establish data needs.
  3. Develop research priorities that target policy needs.

Discussion

Participants discussed threats posed by the current HPAI-A (H5N1) virus, decisions required to mitigate the threats, key science questions and unknowns that need to be clarified to manage viral spread. Deliberations also addressed available tools to prevent further disease spread and potential disease treatment. All agreed on the need for a coordinated research approach, working with domestic and international partners, to fill knowledge gaps and support science-informed policies and public communications.

Given the interconnectedness of animal, environmental and human health, a One Health approach is essential to monitoring and managing potential HPAI-A (H5N1) hosts and reservoirs. Building on research and monitoring activities taking place within federal departments and agencies as well as critical evidence gaps identified through a number of expert consultations, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research is launching a call in collaboration with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council , the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Research British Columbia, aimed at enhancing knowledge of the HPAI-A (H5N1) virus and its spread.

Participating Canadian Federal Organizations

  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency
  • Canadian Institutes of Health Research
  • Defence Research and Development Canada
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada
  • Health Canada
  • Indigenous Services Canada
  • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
  • Parks Canada
  • Privy Council Office
  • Public Health Agency of Canada
  • Public Safety Canada
  • Transport Canada

Select Web Resources

Government of Canada

World Health Organization and World Organization for Animal Health

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