What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to analyze the epidemiology of H5N1 avian influenza and assess control strategies in Latin America.

January 14, 2026

Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Latin America: Epidemiology, control strategies, and One Health implications

Key Points

The aim is to analyze the epidemiology of H5N1 avian influenza and assess control strategies in Latin America.
Review of avian influenza literature from 2019 to 2025
Analysis of outbreak reports across multiple Latin American countries
Evaluation of management strategies and vaccination approaches
Multiple Latin American countries reported outbreaks in wild birds and poultry.
Structural weaknesses in veterinary infrastructure were identified.
Successful vaccination strategies require risk-based application and effective diagnostics.

Abstract

Avian influenza (AI) remains a major and persistent threat to animal and public health due to its high pathogenicity, zoonotic potential, and capacity for transboundary dissemination. The introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b into the Americas in 2022 marked a critical shift in the regional epidemiological landscape, with Latin America emerging as one of the most vulnerable region. This review synthesises current knowledge on the aetiology, molecular determinants of pathogenicity, transmission dynamics, and the regional epidemiological situation of avian influenza from 2019 to 2025. Multiple Latin American countries, including Peru, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Bolivia, have reported outbreaks in wild birds, domestic poultry, and mammals, alongside sporadic human cases. Key regional drivers include migratory bird flyways, informal live-bird trade, and uneven diagnostic and surveillance capacities, all of which facilitate viral persistence and spread. Management strategies are critically analysed, encompassing epidemiological surveillance, contingency planning and notification to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), farm-level biosecurity, movement restrictions, stamping-out and carcass disposal, vaccination approaches, and training of producers and veterinarians. Experiences from Mexico, Egypt, and China illustrate both the potential and the challenges of vaccination, reinforcing the need for risk-based application, DIVA-compatible diagnostics, and rigorous value-chain surveillance. Despite progress, structural weaknesses in veterinary infrastructure, cross-border coordination, and genomic surveillance persist. Strengthening One Health framework, harmonising regional policies, and sustained investment in laboratory and field capacities are essential to mitigate the continuing threat of HPAI and to safeguard food security, trade, biodiversity, and public health in Latin America.

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