Research units

Animal and Integrated Risk Management

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Marie-Noël de Visscher
Montpellier, France
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Véronique Chevalier
Montpellier, France
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Nicolas Gaidet-Drapier
Montpellier, France
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Avian influenza in Africa - Targeting vigilance

22/11/2011 - Article

The GRIPAVI project provides keys to targetting avian influenza surveillance operations in Africa, by characterizing virus circulation among wildfowl and poultry.

In 2006, the detection of the avian influenza (flu) H5N1 virus in Africa caused great concern: the virus could spread to the whole continent, and then be reintroduced to Europe by migratory birds. Epidemiological surveillance programmes were set up and national mechanisms strengthened with the support of international organisations. At the same time, research programmes were launched to describe and understand the virus transmission processes in Africa, and to assess the risks.

Among these programmes, the GRIPAVI project is aimed at characterising the circulation of avian influenza viruses and Newcastle disease in both wild birds and domestic poultry. It shows that the African continent is not free from risk and that vigilance should continue. By specifying the virus persistence mechanisms in Africa and identifying risk situations, it proposes avenues for targeting surveillance and control strategies and thereby making them more efficient.

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Avian influenza in Africa - Targeting vigilance
Marie-Noël de Visscher, Véronique Chevalier, Nicolas Gaidet-Drapier
Perspective No. 13
CIRAD 2011

Perspective sets out to suggest new lines of debate and action, backed up by research work, but does not claim to express CIRAD's official position on the topics covered.
This series of 4-page summaries presents novel ideas or policies on development issues of strategic importance for countries in the South: food security, land tenure, climate change, energy security, forest management, standards, etc.

Perspective is intended for decision-makers (public, private, associations, etc), but also for communicators–journalists, teachers, etc–and anyone capable of taking on board simply formulated ideas. It is published in English and French.