What is avian influenza (bird flu)? Why are we concerned about bird flu outbreaks? What are the control measures in birds and animals? How do outbreaks of avian influenza spread? etc.
The joint annual influenza surveillance meeting by ECDC and the WHO Regional Office for Europe took place on 6 - 8 June 2018 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Invited participants were epidemiological and virological surveillance experts nominated by national health authorities as well as representatives from international institutions, covering the 53 countries of the EU/EEA and the WHO European region. The meeting was by invitation only.
ECDC Scientific advice provides a summary of data and information (i.e., primary evidence) to support informed decisions and actions at the Union and country level in relation to public health measures to prevent and/or control communicable diseases.
ECDC’s annual surveillance reports provide a wealth of epidemiological data to support decision-making at the national level. They are mainly intended for public health professionals and policymakers involved in disease prevention and control programmes.
The main objectives of ERLI-Net are to carry out virological surveillance of human influenza and to ensure that data are shared through the European Influenza Surveillance Network (EISN) reporting mechanisms in a timely manner.
In 2013, a novel avian influenza A(H7N9) virus was detected in patients in China and cases are still being reported. No autochthonous cases have been reported outside China. Most cases are isolated, and sporadic zoonotic transmission from poultry to humans is the most likely explanation for the outbreak.
In accordance with the Key Tasks, ERLI-Net laboratories should participate in external quality assurance (EQA) schemes. EQA panels are distributed by both ERLI-Net and the WHO.