In March 2025, we were delighted to welcome Dr. Clement Meseko to finalise the Avian Influenza documents for #DISCONTOOLS. Dr Meseko is the head of the Infectious and Transboundary Animal Diseases Unit at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Nigeria. He led an international research group assessing research gaps to advance the development of improved vaccines and diagnostics for Avian Influenza.

Through this collaboration that started virtually, it was finally marked by a physical visit to @AnimalhealthEurope and @KREAVET in Belgium, to finalize the documents and strengthen the continued partnership. Avian influenza, especially the highly pathogenic strain (HPAI) adversely affects poultry and recently made a cross-species jump to cattle and sheep. The task of DISCONTOOLS by group of influenza experts is to review and update current knowledge on HPAI control tools, to identify current gaps and recommend measures to develop new or improved tools. This is important for reducing the negative impact of HPAI globally. While a lot of attention goes to Avian Influenza outbreaks in USA and Europe, Africa also has significant poultry production and is a major hotspot of HPAI since 2006. Outbreaks typically occur along the migratory pathways of wild birds and form a natural link between outbreaks in the North and South.

The finalisation of Avian Influenza documents represents an important step for the research community to develop new control options for this pandemic threat and are an additional resource next to the Influenza research roadmaps previously published by STAR-IDAZ IRC.

Dr. Meseko also had the chance to visit the beautiful city of Antwerp and valued the candor and professionalism at Kreavet. In his words, and given the multi-cultural background of its staff, he described it as "the world in a small space."

In conclusion, together, we are driving innovation in veterinary science, sustainability, and One Health approaches, by collaborating towards a healthier and more sustainable future for both animals and humans. Check out the DISCONTOOLS database for full publication of the Avian Influenza documents soon! 

Exciting strides ahead!