H5N1 avian influenza is widespread in wild birds and appears to be causing outbreaks in poultry worldwide.

Recently, outbreaks have been reported in dairy cows in the US, with three cases so far in dairy workers.

Although the current risk to public health is low, public health authorities are monitoring the situation carefully and are taking steps to increase their level of preparedness for early detection and response in the event of human outbreaks.

Human-to-human transmission of the virus has not been reported worldwide so far, however the existence of cases in mammals raises the possibility of human-to-human transmission in the future.

For this reason, an action plan was drawn up by EODY for the bird flu H5N1, in order to pre-determine the actions that will be taken in the event of an outbreak of bird flu in humans with the aim of optimally treating the patient, minimizing the spread of the virus in the community and in the hospital area and, finally, the safety of medical and nursing staff and others personnel who will manage the case.

On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the EODY held a tabletop exercise regarding the management of possible outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza, in order to examine the completeness and coherence of the plan, as well as to establish cooperation between those involved bodies.

Representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the National Influenza Reference Center of Southern Greece, the National Influenza Reference Center of Northern Greece as well as scientific staff of the Organization participated in this exercise.

A representative of the World Health Organization was also present as an observer/evaluator of the exercise.

The results of the mapping exercise will be used to update the action plan and set the framework for other similar initiatives on both H5N1 avian influenza and other potential emerging public health risks.