Building Trust in the H5N1 Response: Perspectives from the Field

The National Academies will host a event on Building Trust in the H5N1 Response: Perspectives from the Field via webcast on March 27, 2025.

Avian influenza is a growing threat to both human and animal health. In March 2024, avian influenza (H5N1) was detected for the first time ever in dairy cattle. The ongoing H5N1 outbreak in the United States has impacted livestock, diminished livestock production, decimated wildlife, and resulted in human infections. The potential for viral mutation and transmission poses a continued threat to human health. Despite the urgency of this evolving situation, response has been hindered by a lack of trust among key stakeholders. Varying policies at national, state, and local levels have led to challenges in mitigation efforts. Following a National Academies workshop on potential research priorities to inform the H5N1 response, the National Academies Forum on Microbial Threats will host a webinar in which agriculture producers and workforce health specialists will discuss their perspectives on steps that would build greater trust between producers and health officials to enable a more coordinated One Health response.

The Forum invites individuals who have been involved in response to the ongoing North American H5N1 outbreak to share their experiences and perspectives on building trust between agriculture producers and public health officials. Comments may be used to develop discussion questions and identify key topics of discussion for the webinar. Input is welcome from interested parties included, but not limited to:

• State and local public health officials
• Livestock production specialists
• Livestock producers and workers
• Occupational health specialists
• Epidemiologists
• Veterinarians