Italian Health Agencies.pdf

- Influenza Aviaria H5N1 Outbreaks in Europe and Italy: Since 2019, several European countries have experienced Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks caused by H5N8 and H5N1 subtypes. In Italy, the epidemic is prevalent in Veneto, Lombardia, and Lazio, with most cases involving industrial poultry farms, particularly turkey farms in Verona and Brescia.

- Italian Situation and Risk: The Italian National Reference Center for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease has confirmed H5N1 subtype HPAI cases in both domestic poultry and wild birds since October 2021. The human transmission risk is currently low, but the virus's potential to evolve is being monitored.

- Virus Description and Global Spread: Avian influenza viruses are distinct from human seasonal influenza viruses and can cause varying symptoms in humans, from mild to severe. They are naturally hosted by birds and have spread globally, with some subtypes causing sporadic human infections. The H5N1 subtype has caused significant human infections and deaths in China since 2013.

- Pandemic Potential and Monitoring: Avian influenza viruses, particularly of type A, pose a significant public health threat due to their pandemic potential. A 'group of experts' has been established in Italy to monitor and evaluate the situation, aiming to activate an early warning system for influenza epidemics, including pandemics.