Washington, D.C., 4 February 2026 (PAHO) – In response to the recent detection of avian influenza A(H5N1) in poultry in the Cayman Islands, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) convened a regional webinar to strengthen preparedness and intersectoral coordination across the Caribbean.
Genetic sequencing confirmed that the virus belongs to clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D1.1, currently circulating in North America. While the risk to the general population remains low, the event highlights the need for heightened vigilance, particularly among individuals exposed to infected birds.
The webinar brought together representatives from ministries of health, veterinary services, national laboratories, and technical partners to review the current situation and reinforce coordination under a One Health approach.
The session focused on practical actions to enhance:
Early detection of suspected human cases through strengthened surveillance and exposure assessment
Laboratory readiness to detect and confirm avian influenza A(H5)
Clinical management and infection prevention and control (IPC) in healthcare settings
Coordination between animal and human health authorities
Experts from PAHO and The Pan American Center for Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Veterinary Public Health (PANAFTOSA/VPH) presented updated recommendations for surveillance and response in the animal health sector, emphasizing rapid outbreak notification and reinforced biosecurity measures.
From the human health perspective, PAHO specialists reviewed guidance on early case identification, sample collection, laboratory diagnostics, and antiviral treatment. Ensuring preparedness across surveillance systems and health facilities was highlighted as critical to mitigating potential zoonotic transmission.
A key component of the webinar was the presentation by the Ministry of Health of the Cayman Islands, which shared its intersectoral response following the detection in poultry, including activation of coordination mechanisms, strengthened surveillance, and risk communication efforts. The experience provided valuable operational lessons for other Caribbean countries.
The webinar reinforced PAHO’s ongoing commitment to supporting Member States in strengthening surveillance, preparedness, and response capacities for influenza and other respiratory viruses with pandemic potential, aligned with regional priorities for health security.
Agenda
Moderator: Dr Priscila Born, IHM/PHE/PAHO
| 09:00–09:10 | Introduction and context | Dr. Andrea Vicari IHM/PHE/PAHO |
| 09:10–09:40 | Surveillance and response strategies for avian influenza in the animal component | Dr. Manuel Sanchez PANAFTOSA |
| 09:40–10:00 | Recommendations for the early detection of human cases of avian influenza A(H5) | Dr. Ornella Cyrus IHM/PHE/PAHO |
| 10:00–10:10 | Discussion and Q&A Session | All participants |
| 10:10–10:30 | Recommendations for laboratory readiness to detect avian influenza A(H5) | Dr. Juliana Leite IHM/PHE/PAHO |
| 10:30–11:00 | Clinical management and Infection prevention and control recommendations for avian influenza cases at the level of health facilities. | Dr. Angel Rodriguez IHM/PHE/PAHO |
| 11:00–11:10 | Discussion and Q&A Session | All participants |
| 11:10–11:40 | Intersectoral response for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in the Cayman Islands | Dr. Hilary Wolf Dr. Tiffany Chisholm And Dr. Rachel Corbett Cayman Islands Government |
| 11:40–12:00 | Discussion and Q&A Session | All participants |
If you are interested in accessing the Latin America version of this webinar, please consult it at the following link: https://www.paho.org/es/eventos/fortalecimiento-respuesta-intersectorial-influenza-aviar-ah5-america-latina