Coordination tripartite OMS/FAO/OIE pour le contrôle et la prévention des virus influenza zoonotiques. Illustration avec OFFLU, réseau mondial d’expertise vétérinaire

During the last decade a heightened awareness has developed on the potential of influenza infections in animals to cause serious disease in people. This is the result of increased reporting of zoonotic influenza in humans as well as the intense circulation of influenza strains with pandemic potential within the animal reservoir. OFFLU (OIE/FAO Network of expertise on animal influenza) was created in 2004 as a response to the large spread of the zoonotic avian influenza of H5N1 subtype. OFFLU is a formal partnership between the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) and the Animal Production and Health Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to maintain an active network of expertise on animal influenza. One of its four objectives is specifically to collaborate with the WHO (World Health Organization) influenza network on issues relating to the animal-human interface, including early preparation of human vaccines. Stronger technical collaboration, both institutionally and nationally, among scientists in the animal health and public health sectors has been established through joint technical discussion, information sharing and development and use of common tools.