This report contains the recommendations of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in support of the efforts to control highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in several Asian countries. It is based on peer reviewed papers on the current knowledge of influenza viruses in general and avian influenza (AI) viruses in particular; on reports of consultants that have worked with countries affected by the currently circulating HPAI viruses under FAOês national and regional technical cooperation programme (TCP); on the results of expert meetings between government officials and experts in disease management, laboratory diagnosis, epidemiological and economic assessments; and on several comprehensive studies of the poultry sector in Asia.

FAO wishes to acknowledge the important contribution of the World Organisation for Animal Health (Office International des Épizooties, OIE) Headquarters officials and that of the experts of the OIE Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres.

This document expresses views that are supported by the OIE. It makes frequent reference to recommendations of OIE and those of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Both OIE and WHO are key partners of FAO in the effort to prevent further disease spread and to protect the human population. The combined efforts of these international organizations are aimed at the control and eradication of HPAI by decreasing and eventually eliminating the viral load in the environment, assuring the use of proper standards and procedures for diagnostic testing, application of high quality vaccine products, and protection against occupational hazards in the implementation of programs.

Recommendations of FAO/OIE/WHO conferences held in Bangkok and Rome, in February 2004 are still relevant and applicable. The document "Guiding Principles for HPAI Surveillance and Diagnostic Networks in Asia" (conclusions of the FAO Expert Meeting, 21-23 July 2004, Bangkok) should be read in conjunction with this report, as it presents minimum requirements for diagnosis and surveillance, which, along with improved biosecurity, are key elements in prevention, control and eradication.

The FAO recommendations present a minimum approach for consideration by national authorities. Each government is responsible for defining a national strategy according to the biological, epidemiological, economic, political and social factors relevant to the country. These recommendations represent •best practiceê and it is recognized that some countries may need external assistance to implement such practice. Eradication of the currently circulating H5N1 virus is the ultimate goal of all efforts. Improved capacity for early detection and rapid response is equally important, so that countries are better placed to deal with future epidemics of HPAI or other transboundary animal diseases.

FAO recognizes that several important studies remain to be completed, particularly in regard to the understanding of the molecular basis for viral virulence, to knowledge of the ecology of the infection in its avian and mammalian hosts, including pigs, and experience with the poultry production and marketing systems used in Asia and how these systems influence disease spread.

As the epidemiology of AI viruses in Asia evolves and scientific knowledge and management tools become more comprehensive, it may be necessary to modify approaches to the prevention and control of HPAI. Surveillance must be strengthened and data analysis augmented with molecular epidemiology studies, to ensure that changes in disease epidemiology and local conditions are reflected by appropriate adjustments to veterinary control strategies. As such, these recommendations will be under continuous review.