Main description:

At its peak in 2006, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) caused by viruses of the H5N1 subtype was reported in over 60 countries. Since then, most affected countries have eliminated the disease. However, the virus has remained entrenched in some countries that continue to be endemic for the disease. As the virus is unlikely to be eliminated from poultry for some time, the risk of emergence of a human pandemic strain from an avian virus will persist and will need management. New innovative measures for the control and prevention of H5N1 HPAI and other influenza viruses include: better vaccines that can be delivered easily to poultry production sectors; methods of developing virus resistance in poultry through genetic manipulation and selection; and universal influenza vaccines for humans that protect against different influenza virus subtypes.