Avian influenza--past, present and future challenges.

Avian influenza (AI) is an OIE-listed disease that has become of great importance both for animal and for human health. The increased relevance of AI in the fields of animal and human health, has highlighted the lack of scientific information on several aspects of the disease; this has hampered the adequate management of some of the recent crises, thus resulting in millions of dead animals and concern over loss of human lives and over management of the pandemic potential. The present paper aims to identify areas of knowledge of veterinary competence that need to be explored to generate information to support the global AI crisis. Given the current situation, it is imperative that close collaboration is sought and achieved by public health officials involved in the veterinary and medical aspects of the disease. In fact, only through the exchange of data, experiences, views and information will it be possible to combat this zoonosis that represents a major threat to public health and animal well-being.