OneH Congress 2026

Abstract

Background

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains a major threat at the human–animal interface, especially considering the unprecedented scale of outbreaks in wild birds reported in autumn 2025. Effective management requires strong coordination between veterinary and public health authorities at different administrative levels, as promoted by EFSA and ECDC guidance. Within the framework of the United4Surveillance initiative (2023–2025; htps://united4surveillance.eu/), co-funded by the EU under the EU4Health Programme (Project ID 101102070), Austria identified strengthening communication between veterinary and public health authorities as a key priority.

Methods

To enhance intersectoral collaboration and knowledge exchange, two complementary communication tools were established. First, a Horizon Scanning Platform for Zoonotic Influenza was implemented to support regular, structured exchange between veterinary and medical experts at the agency level. Sector-specific information is synthesised into bi-weekly reports during peak HPAI periods or monthly summaries of the global epidemiological situation of zoonotic influenza in animals and humans. These reports are disseminated to relevant stakeholders at ministry and agency levels to support coordinated awareness and preparedness.
Second, the One Health Working Group for the Surveillance of Zoonotic Influenza (OHFLÜ) was established as an intersectoral operational framework. The group includes selected representatives from the human and animal health sectors across all relevant levels, including ministries, national agencies, reference laboratories, and regional authorities. The group brings together complementary expertise in epidemiology, diagnostics, surveillance, and policymaking. A core activity has been the development of step-by-step information cascades describing communication pathways, roles and responsibilities between sectors during an outbreak of zoonotic avian influenza viruses. Initial work focused on two scenarios involving first detection of HPAI either in poultry or in humans, using EFSA and ECDC guidelines as a basis.

Results and discussion

The implementation of these structured communication mechanisms facilitates regular and systematic collaboration between Austrian veterinary and public health authorities at different levels. The recent integration of the OHFLÜ Working Group into the Austrian National Commitee for Zoonoses will enable direct and timely communication with decision-makers. Importantly, the group has been mandated to develop an operational manual to guide joint coordination during HPAI outbreaks. This living manual will be tested and refined through simulation exercises. This experience demonstrates the added value of EU-funded One Health initiatives in strengthening national preparedness and provides transferable lessons for managing emerging zoonotic threats.