ABSTRACT

This chapter shows the need for WHO to link with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other organizations concerned with animals in view of the 'human-animal interface'. It also shows the importance of open communications at country, regional and global levels and the need for prompt intervention at all levels. According to WHO, the two viruses, A(H5N1) and A(H7N9), are two of the influenza viruses with pandemic potential, although these pandemics are unpredictable. WHO, the World Organization for Animal Health and FAO are collaborating to track and assess the risks from animal influenza viruses of public health concern. WHO, together with its partners, monitors avian influenza closely. China's initial cover-up of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) for several months is detrimental to global action against the outbreak and China's own public health interests.