The World Health Organization (WHO) and other global public health authorities have warned about the recent rise in bird flu epidemics in animals, increasing fears about the virus's transmission to people.
Since late 2021, Europe has been facing its deadliest bird flu pandemic. In North and South America, millions of infected poultry have been slaughtered, according to WION.
Mammals, which are more physiologically related to humans than birds, have been found to have the H5N1 avian influenza, which has experts worried. The findings suggest the virus may evolve to infect people easier.
Furthermore, some mammals may act as "mixing vessels" for various influenza virus strains, resulting in the formation of more virulent variations that are deadly to both animals and people.
Avian Flu Continues to Spread Globally
Since their first appearance in 1996, the H5N1 avian influenza viruses, notably the goose/Guangdong lineage, have been responsible for epidemics in birds. Since 2020, an H5 clade 2.3.4.4b form of these viruses has killed wild birds and poultry in significant numbers in nations throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Sixty-seven countries reported H5N1 outbreaks in 2022 alone, leading to massive losses in the poultry industry. This year, 14 more nations, mainly in the Americas, reported outbreaks as the infection spreads.
Notably, there have been an increasing number of reports of influenza A(H5) virus epidemics, particularly A(H5N1,) that have killed animals. These epidemics have affected land and marine mammals in 10 countries on three continents since 2022, as per a WHO statement.
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Avian flu outbreaks have affected 26 species, including Spanish-farmed mink, US seals, and Peruvian and Chilean sea lions. H5N1 has been discovered in cats and canines, most recently in Poland.
Higher Risk of Human Infection
Dr. Gregorio Torres, Head of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) Science Department, recognized the paradigm change in avian influenza ecology and epidemiology, raising global concerns.
Since December 2021, there have been eight sporadic influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus identifications in humans, most of which have been connected to intimate contact with diseased birds and polluted settings. Infection in humans may cause serious illness with a high fatality rate.
Sylvie Briand, WHO Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, stated that although the virus does not seem to be easily spread, it is important to watch for any mutations that may change this.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, WHO, and WOAH urge countries to act rapidly to stop avian flu, per CGTN. The measure entails stopping bird flu at its source, spotting and reporting animal outbreaks immediately, and working swiftly to control the spread of bird flu infection.
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