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Growing evidence suggests that multiple wildlife species can be infected with peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), with important consequences for the potential maintenance of PPRV in communities of susceptible hosts, and the threat that PPRV may pose to the conservation of wildlife populations and resilience of ecosystems. Significant knowledge gaps in the epidemiology of PPRV across the ruminant community (wildlife and domestic), and the understanding of infection in wildlife and other atypical host species groups (e.g., camelidae, suidae, and bovinae) hinder our ability to apply necessary integrated disease control and management interventions at the wildlife-livestock interface. Similarly, knowledge gaps limit the inclusion of wildlife in the FAO/OIE Global Strategy for the Control and Eradication of PPR, and the framework of activities in the PPR Global Eradication Programme that lays the foundation for eradicating PPR through national and regional efforts. This article reports on the first international meeting on, “Controlling PPR at the livestock-wildlife interface,” held in Rome, Italy, March 27–29, 2019. A large group representing national and international institutions discussed recent advances in our understanding of PPRV in wildlife, identified knowledge gaps and research priorities, and formulated recommendations. The need for a better understanding of PPRV epidemiology at the wildlife-livestock interface to support the integration of wildlife into PPR eradication efforts was highlighted by meeting participants along with the reminder that PPR eradication and wildlife conservation need not be viewed as competing priorities, but instead constitute two requisites of healthy socio-ecological systems.

We describe the identification and characterization of the H9N2 influenza subtype reported in Egyptian broiler and broiler breeder farms for the first time. Circulation of this subtype in a highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus endemic population provides an opportunity for genetic reassortment and emergence of novel viruses.

We report the first large-scale surveillance of avian influenza viruses in water birds conducted in Africa. This study shows evidence of avian influenza viruses in wild birds, both Eurasian and Afro-tropical species, in several maior wetlands of Africa.

In the context of the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (IIPAI) II5N1 virus through Eurasia during 2005, a surveillance study of wild birds was launched in early 2006 within the framework of regional Technical Cooperation Programmes of Food and Agriculture Organization in several countries of eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. From mid-January to mid-May 2006, field campaigns were conducted in 14 countries, including recently infected countries. In total, 5,256 samples were collected in large wetland areas where Eurasian and Afro-tropical waterbirds congregate. The overall prevalence of avian influenza viruses detected by RT-PCR was 3.3%, with no positivity for IIPAI II5N1 virus. Five distinct virus isolates were obtained from the RT-PCR positive samples. Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses were detected and isolated in both Eurasian and Afro-tropical bird species, indicating that low pathogenic viruses were circulating in Africa during the northern winter. These findings reveal that LPAI virus persists in wild birds in subtropical environments and support the hypothesis that avian influenza viruses could he perpetuated in wild birds throughout the year, including in Palearctic waterbirds wintering in sub-Saharan Africa before their northward spring migration.