BSL4ZNet Henipavirus Gap Analysis

• The Biosafety Level 4 Zoonotic Laboratory Network (BSL4ZNet) was created in 2016 and is an international network of government organizations across Canada, the United States, Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom with high containment laboratories. Members have a national-level responsibility to protect animal health, public health and agriculture resources, and enhance scientific capacity in their high containment laboratories.

• The BSL4ZNet is co-led by the CFIA and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with funding and in-kind contributions provided by both organizations; the Secretariat is housed within the CFIA’s Science Branch, in the Animal Health Science Directorate.

• The BSL4ZNet promotes collaboration and information sharing amongst international partners to strengthen capacity, expertise, research, training, and diagnostic capabilities for responding to deadly pathogens.

• Henipavirus is the taxonomic genus for a group of viruses in the family Paramyxoviridae that includes Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV). These viruses are zoonotic agents that are highly pathogenic in humans with case fatality rates of 40% to 70%. As such, these viruses are classified as Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) agents, requiring the highest level of laboratory biocontainment. Importantly, they have many of the physical attributes to serve as potential agents of bioterrorism and are also considered emerging zoonotic pathogens with increasing geographical distribution in Australia, New Caledonia, South and Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, India and Madagascar.

• The BSL4ZNet hosted a Henipavirus Gap Analysis Workshop in November 2017 at the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD) in Winnipeg, Canada. Since then, there have been significant advancements in our understanding of Nipah and Hendra viruses. Additionally, new Henipaviruses have emerged; for instance, in August 2022, a new Henipavirus species (Langya virus, LayV) was identified among febrile human cases in eastern China.

• Due to the time that has passed and recent advancements in Henipaviruses, a new pathogen gap analysis is necessary. The Contractor will be responsible for planning, implementing, and reporting on the gap analysis workshop.

• A pathogen gap analysis is a systematic approach used to identify and assess gaps in current knowledge, surveillance, and response capabilities for specific pathogens. It typically involves reviewing existing data on pathogen characteristics, transmission, and containment measures to highlight areas needing further research, improved diagnostic tools, or enhanced control strategies. This process is essential in preparing for emerging infectious threats by pinpointing critical vulnerabilities and informing animal and public health strategies.