Alimentación

Por primera vez, las cinco agencias de salud y medioambientales de la UE (EFSA, ECDC, ECHA, EEA y EMA)[i], apoyadas por el JRC, examinaron cómo afecta a la salud pública el uso de sustancias azólicas fuera de la medicina humana.Los medicamentos azólicos son esenciales para el tratamiento de la aspergilosis, una infección grave causada por hongos Aspergillus. Sin embargo, estos hongos son cada vez más resistentes a los azoles, lo que hace que el tratamiento sea menos eficaz.Los azoles se utilizan ampliamente en productos de protección fitosanitaria (pesticidas) para controlar las enfermedades causadas por hongos en el ámbito de la agricultura y la horticultura, como medicamentos veterinarios para tratar las micosis en animales, como biocidas en conservantes de la madera, como productos químicos industriales (p. ej., sustancias intermedias y colorantes) y en cosméticos (p. ej., productos anticaspa).El informe conjunto destaca que su uso generalizado fuera de la medicina humana, especialmente en la agricultura, contribuye al riesgo de que el Aspergillus se vuelva resistente a los azoles. La exposición Concentración o cantidad de una sustancia concreta que absorbe una persona, población o ecosistema con una frecuencia específica en un periodo determinado de tiempo a ciertos entornos en los que se utilizan o están presentes los fungicidas azólicos, tales como los residuos agrícolas y hortícolas o la madera recién cortada, podría aumentar el riesgo de infección por Aspergillus spp. resistente a los azoles.Los datos recogidos de los países de la UE y del EEE (2010-2021) e incluidos en el informe detallan el uso de fungicidas azólicos en toda Europa. Los productos de protección fitosanitaria representan la mayor parte de las ventas notificadas en todos los sectores.Bernhard Url, Director Ejecutivo en funciones de la EFSA, ha declarado:«El impacto del uso de fungicidas azólicos en la agricultura y otros sectores ajenos a la medicina humana sobre la resistencia a los antifúngicos pone de manifiesto la necesidad crítica de equilibrar unas prácticas eficaces con la protección de la salud y el medio ambiente. El enfoque «Una sola salud» nos permite aunar diversos conocimientos para hacer frente a este reto y salvaguardar la salud pública para las generaciones futuras.»

“Global developments demand that we stay alert and make sure Europe is prepared to respond to the threat of avian influenza,” said Pamela Rendi-Wagner, ECDC Director.  “ECDC is supporting EU/EEA Member States in preparing, preventing and containing potential future outbreaks in animals and humans. Having strong preparedness plans in place is paramount to protect public health in Europe.” “In 2024, avian influenza viruses expanded their reach, infecting previously unaffected species. Our work identifies key mutations linked to a potential spread to humans, requiring rapid detection and response. Collaboration and data sharing along the chain of actors involved remain essential in tackling emerging situations,” said Bernhard Url, EFSA Acting Executive Director.Experts generated a comprehensive list of mutations, from which they identified 34 genetic mutations that might increase the potential of avian influenza viruses to spread to humans. Using molecular analysis and genomic surveillance, animal and public health laboratories can refer to the list of mutations, which should be continuously updated, to monitor the emergence of strains that could potentially transmit to humans. The scientific opinion also identifies how the adaptation of avian influenza viruses to mammals can be driven by factors such as genetic mutations, the mixing of genetic material between viruses, and the interaction with host immune response, alongside extrinsic factors that can increase the chance of transmission to humans, like human activities and environmental changes that increase contact between wildlife, poultry, livestock, and humans. High-density farming, low biosecurity practices, deforestation, urbanisation, and global trade amplify the risk of spillovers from animals to humans.Key recommendations:Genetic analysis: Use genetic sequencing to detect mutations or virus adaptations to mammals early. Invest in systems to quickly identify emerging viruses and mutations that enable animal-to-human spread. Animal surveillance: Monitor sick or dead mammals linked to infected wild birds, poultry or mammals. Track unexplained illness during high-risk periods and areas with avian influenza. Public health surveillance: Test exposed individuals and routinely send samples to further identify the flu sub-type. During outbreaks in animals, hospitals should enhance surveillance and vigilance, especially during flu season peaks when the risk of mixing of genetic material between viruses rises. Prevention measures:  Implement robust farm biosecurity measures, train staff, vaccinate poultry, and prepare outbreak response plans. Ensure humans at risk follow influenza vaccination and antiviral treatment guidelines.Public health preparedness measures:  Raise awareness among high-risk groups, the general public and train healthcare workers to recognise and manage avian influenza. Ensure coordinated response plans for human cases. Develop guidelines and standard operating procedures for testing of exposed individuals and contacts of patients, including preventive protocols. Ensure coordinated response plans for human cases as part of national prevention, preparedness and response plans.Alongside the scientific opinion, the Agencies also developed a guidance on how to investigate and control outbreaks of avian influenza affecting both humans and animals, using a coordinated One Health approach. Experts developed flowcharts outlining response actions for five outbreak scenarios at the human-animal-environment interface, emphasising the importance of an interdisciplinary response among all stakeholders. This work will support Member States in creating tailored national guidelines.