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.
In March of 2007, FAO changed its status from an observer member to full member of the AI Task Force. In June 2007, FAO was asked to co-convene and co-coordinate the AI Task Force with UNEP/CMS.
More information is available in the related publications, press releases and documents.
Documents
- Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds statement on: H5N1 High pathogenicity avian influenza in wild birds - Unprecedented conservation impacts and urgent needs. July 2023
- Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds statement on: H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in poultry and wild birds: Winter of 2021/2022 with focus on mass mortality of wild birds in UK and Israel
- Northern Winter 2020-2021 statement in response to die-offs of wild birds in UNESCO and Ramsar Sites
- Task Force Statement: December 2016 H5N8 HPAI in wild birds in Asia, Europe and Africa
- Task Force Statement: December 2014 H5N8 HPAI in wild birds in Asia, Europe and North America
- Task Force Statement: April 2013 H7N9 low pathogenic avian influenza in China
- International Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza (AI) to analyse links between migratory Water Birds and AI
- International community calls for urgent action to improve preparedness for further outbreaks of avian influenza
- Follow-up in COP8 Decisions: Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza (Res. 8.27)
- Avian Influenza and Wild Birds
- FAOAIDEnews Issue no. 6 – Update on the Avian Influenza situation (As of 23/02/2004)
- Background information on Avian Influenza
- Conclusions and Recommendations: Third Technical Meeting of the Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds: HPAI H5N1 and wild birds: reviewing the global issue and assessing future priorities