Health experts are sounding the alarm over the rising threat of bird flu, particularly as signs of the virus mutating have emerged. The H5N1 strain has recently shown the capacity to spread to unexpected hosts, including dairy cows in the United States. Although the immediate risk to the general public remains low, scientists are being vigilant as the situation evolves.
Over the past four years, the virus has proliferated beyond its traditional avian hosts, reaching far-flung locations, including Antarctica, reported AFP. The repercussions of this spread have been dire, with millions of poultry birds and over 300 wild bird species succumbing to the virus across nearly 80 countries. Furthermore, mammals such as seals that consume infected birds have also suffered from the outbreak.
A particularly alarming development occurred earlier this year when H5N1 began infecting dairy cows in the US This unprecedented occurrence raises critical concerns, especially given that 58 individuals in the US have tested positive for bird flu in 2023 alone. Notably, two of these cases involved individuals who had no direct contact with infected animals. Additionally, antibody tests conducted among dairy workers in Michigan and Colorado indicated a seven percent infection rate, suggesting the potential for many human cases to go undetected.
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Experts warn that the virus is perilously close to mutating in a way that would enhance its ability to transmit among humans. Meg Schaeffer, an epidemiologist at the US-based SAS institute, told AFP there were now several factors suggesting that “avian flu is knocking on our door and could start a new pandemic any day”.
A recent study published in -Science- suggests that the strain infecting US cows is on the brink of acquiring the capacity for more efficient human transmission. Should this mutation occur, it could trigger a significant pandemic, particularly since humans lack natural immunity to H5N1.
On a positive note, there are existing vaccines and antiviral treatments for bird flu, which provide a level of preparedness not present during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, health officials stress the importance of improving testing protocols and fostering international collaboration to effectively monitor and control the virus’s spread.
