Surveillance of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza for Smallholder Poultry Systems in Resource-Limited Settings: In accordance with the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Standards

This publication represents a collaborative effort led by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), in conjunction with animal health experts from the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences Research Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice of the City University of Hong Kong, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and the Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, as well as experts from around the globe, to compile scientific evidence, field experience and professional insight for improving the health of smallholder poultry systems (SHPS) in resource-limited settings. Enhancing SHPS health not only benefits farmers’ livelihoods but also supports family welfare and boosts community resilience.

Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) of the world face several challenges in preventing and responding to avian influenza outbreaks, particularly among smallholder (backyard) poultry farmers. Low-sensitivity surveillance systems in SHPS hinder early detection, thereby increasing the spread of the virus. Furthermore, conventional surveillance programmes often demand substantial and ongoing funding while lacking the flexibility to address the full range of disease surveillance needs in SHPS, particularly where resources are constrained.

The Animal Health Forum on avian influenza hosted at the 90th WOAH General Session in May 2023 discussed these issues, leading to Resolution No. 28, which emphasises supporting smallholders with effective disease prevention measures. To this end, practical surveillance guidelines, tailored to local contexts, are essential for safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring the stability of the poultry industry. During the development of these guidelines, discussions among experts, WOAH Reference Centre experts and authors highlighted the feasibility and challenges of establishing a standardised methodology for such inherently complex and diverse production systems.

Given the constantly evolving nature of the high pathogenicity avian influenza virus, and the changing socio-cultural and economic context of SHPS around the world, this publication is intended as a living resource that will achieve its full value through contextual application, critical feedback and continuous evidence-informed revision. WOAH therefore encourages users of these guidelines to share their implementation experience and to provide constructive feedback through WOAH Delegates or their representatives, so that this publication can be further refined and adapted to the ever-changing ecology of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, food production systems and surveillance tools.