Strengthening the intersectoral work for Influenza at the Human Animal Interface in the Region of the Americas: Technical Questions and Answers

Given the increasing detection of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in birds registered in countries of the Region of the Americas, the confirmation of human infections of influenza A(H5N1) in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the increase of cases in mammals, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) has developed a regional document on technical questions and answers on zoonotic influenza, which reiterates its guidance on surveillance, laboratory diagnostics in human and animal samples and other public health considerations. PAHO/WHO recommends strengthening surveillance of respiratory disease in animal and human populations, thorough investigation of all zoonotic infections, considering the preparedness for an increase in zoonotic infections as well as pandemic influenza preparedness.