Regional and global AI and Wild Bird Networks xxxx x Taej Mundkur, Ph.D. Flyway Programme Manager Wetlands International Taej.mundkur@wetlands.org Member, Scientific Task Force of Avian Influenza
Contents GAINS Scientific Task Force on Wild Birds and Avian Influenza Asia-Pacific Working Group on Migratory Waterbirds and AI
Global Avian Influenza Network for Surveillance (GAINS) for wild birds
Global Avian Influenza Network for Surveillance (GAINS) for Wild Birds Improve the understanding of the epidemiology of influenza viruses in wild birds Establish a web based wild bird disease database Disseminate information on AI to all levels of governments, international organizations, private sector & the general public Information on avianarchive.gains.org/
GAINS in Practice (OFFLU FAO, OIE, WHO) Data users and policy makers (national agencies, WHO, FAO, OIE, USDA, CDC, HHS, local officials, private industry, individuals, etc. GAINS Field Training Unit GAINS Data Center
Scientific Task Force on AI and wild birds
Scientific Task Force on AI and wild birds Established in August 2005, under the lead of UNEP/CMS Comprises 15 bodies Works through teleconferences, workshops and email Runs www.aiweb.info Products include information brochures in 6 languages Workshops in 2006 (Kenya), 2007 (Scotland), 2009 (Italy) Co-chaired by CMS and FAO since June 2007
Key Objectives of the Task Force Provide sound guidance for wildlife experts, scientists, decision/policy makers and the media Issue advice on the spread and conservation impact of HPAI H5N1 based on the best scientific knowledge available Ensure that international efforts to contain HPAI H5N1 do not overlook vital information concerning migratory species and other environmental considerations Promote the development of international early-warning systems to enable appropriate and focused responses Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus) near Rügen Island at the time of the European outbreaks in Spring 2006
Awareness raising Maintain website: www.aiweb.info Published a brief information guide Avian Influenza and Wild Birds, updated in 2008, 6 languages Available in pdf
Proceedings of the Aviemore 2007 Avian Influenza and Wildlife Workshop on Practical Lessons Learnt Technical Meeting in Aviemore, Scotland (June 2007) Information exchange on practical responses to AI Outcomes of the meeting available Contains conclusions and recommendations
AI Task Force and Support to Conventions Animals, People and Disease: A Cross-Cutting Issue for Biodiversity Conservation Convention on Biological Diversity Side event, Bonn (May 2008) Resolutions at African Eurasian Waterbird Agreement, Ramsar Convention and Convention of Migratory Species conferences in 2008 Common Scientific Summary prepared by Task Force was adopted at all conferences
Asia-Pacific Working Group on Migratory Waterbirds and AI
Structure of the Working Group Reports - East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership - Central Asian Flyway Action Plan range states - Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza & Migratory Species The Working Group has representatives from: countries in the Asia-Pacific region (18), international NGOs (4), convention secretariats and international organisations (3) independent experts (2) observer (1) Joint co-conveners www.wetlands.org/apwg
Representation 1. Countries Australia, Cambodia, China (mainland), China (Taiwan), India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vietnam 2. International NGOs BirdLife International, International Crane Foundation, IUCN, Wetlands International, WWF 3. Convention secretariats and international organisations Convention on Migratory Species, Ramsar Convention, Partnership for the East Asian - Australasian Flyway
Priorities of the Working Group 1. Build a network of researchers involved in waterbird migration and AI monitoring/research and develop strategies to increase coordination 2. Gain an overview of the role of key waterbird researchers in AI preparedness, response planning and implementation 3. Compile information on AI surveillance in live and dead wild birds 4. Promote development of a coordinated wild bird AI surveillance strategy
1 st Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Working Group on Migratory Waterbirds and Avian Influenza Beijing, China, 5-17 November 2007 Organisers and supporters: 12 countries 2 international organisations 12 observers
Development of standardised techniques for surveillance support through use of technical Manuals and capacity building activities
Key sectors to be involved in AI study/control NGOs Technical institutions International organisations Local organisations Human health Poultry and animal husbandry Environment and Forests
Opportunities for collaboration with OIE Network Participation of OIE Asia Pacific in APWG- MWAI Enhanced information sharing on wild bird outbreaks and wild bird disease surveillance in a timely manner between networks Capacity building for improved wild bird surveillance Joint surveillance and monitoring