Abstract
Influenza A(H5N1) virus, a major cause of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or ‘bird flu’, is causing concern as it continues to evolve and infect new hosts, notably cattle for the first time. Although this virus is still not adapted for human-to-human transmission, its spread is a warning for Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) to review and enhance our pandemic
preparedness.
At a minimum, we need to immediately update our pandemic plan to incorporate lessons from past pandemic responses, notably the effective use of public health and social
measures (PHSM) to delay entry and circulation of serious pandemic infections. We need to review systems to ensure timely supply of A(H5N1) testing, vaccine, antivirals, and
infection prevention and control (IPC) equipment. And strengthen One Health approaches to reduce the risk of influenza emergence and spread in poultry, livestock, wildlife, and
humans, along with effective surveillance and early detection and response systems covering these populations.