Scientists warn that the disease now poses a greater risk to humans
A new study published in Nature concludes that genetic changes are making recent outbreaks of avian flu more severe in mammals. The scientists responsible for the research warn that the disease now poses a greater risk to humans. Although avian flu has spread at historic rates in domestic and wild bird populations since 2021, viruses change over time and the danger this disease poses to many other species could continue to increase.
“This isn’t just a chicken virus anymore,” he says Richard Webby, who studies infectious diseases at St. Jude of Memphis and influenza in animals and birds at the World Health Organization. “It’s also infecting other bird and mammal species in the United States. It’s a major exposure risk for humans and other mammals. We’ve never been exposed to this level of circulation of these highly pathogenic influenza viruses.”
So exactly how concerned should we be that genetic mutations in avian flu are causing the next global pandemic in humans? Let’s take a look.
Mammals at risk
The scientists behind the new study found that as the H5N1 avian flu spread across North America, the virus became capable of ‘severely infecting’ the mammalian brain, marking ‘a striking difference from previous related strains’. “.
The researchers were surprised by the viral loads found in the brains of the ferrets, which were intentionally infected as part of the study. Some became seriously ill, experiencing “rapid weight loss, lethargy and severe neurological symptoms including ataxia”. [perda de controle muscular e coordenação] and paralysis of the hind limbs”.
“It’s not the first time we’ve seen H5 viruses in the brain, but they’re probably among the most virulent we’ve seen in 24 years of tracking these viruses,” Webby says.
While other influenzas capable of causing serious disease have not spread beyond the initial populations of affected birds in the past, this strain spread significantly in poultry flocks before infecting other species, as noted by St. Judas.
What does this mean for humans?
Bird flu has infected humans, including in the United States. According to WHO, there have been six confirmed cases worldwide since 2020.
While WHO encourages close surveillance for any potential animal-to-human spread, the UN agency also points out that all six cases so far have resulted from close contact with birds, with some people managing outbreaks or they work with birds.
Health agencies say the threat posed by bird flu to humans remains very low. Webby agrees, but warns that this may not always be the case as the virus is changing. He also stresses that we must not only consider the risk of transmission to humans, but also the severity of the disease once contracted.
“Someone would have to work very hard to get infected with this virus,” Webby says. “But if they end up infected, there’s a real chance they’ll develop serious disease.”
The last identified human case of H5N1 was reported in Chile in late March, when a 53-year-old man was hospitalized in critical condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Bird flu updates
In the United States alone, nearly 60 million farmed birds have been culled or died as a result of the spread of avian flu, and more than 6,900 wild birds have been affected. Nearly all US states have reported outbreaks in their bird populations.
Egg producers say bird flu is driving the price hike, and more recently, Hormel cited resulting disruptions in its supply chain as the reason for plummeting turkey meat sales.
According to a recent report by the World Organization for Animal Health, 1.5 million birds were culled or died in a period of just three weeks, between 30 March and 20 April 2023. The report concludes that although the Spread of the disease may have already occurred has peaked in many places, bird flu is now affecting wild birds in new areas of the world, including The Gambia. Last May, Brazil’s top poultry exporter said state of emergency for 180 days due to cases found in wild populations.
Some countries, including Mexico and China, have already begun vaccinating bird populations against avian flu, while others, such as the United States, are testing vaccines. Following the deaths of 21 California condors, the US Department of Agriculture has authorized the emergency use of a vaccine on this critically endangered wildlife species.
The consensus among health agencies appears to be that, overall, bird flu poses a relatively low risk to human public health at this time, but that authorities must remain vigilant.
“In recent years, we have witnessed an unprecedented number of wild bird deaths and domestic bird outbreaks in many countries,” WHO writes. The spread of H5N1 from avian to mammalian species and the outbreaks on Spanish mink farms “underscore the unpredictable nature of the disease and its potential risk to human health”.
So what can consumers do to stem the spread of bird flu? Of course, it would be wise to avoid contact with wild or farmed birds. Abstaining from eating poultry and supporting the intensive farming system which contributes to the spread of bird flu is also a way of not contributing to the continuous mutation of the virus. Although the heat from cooking kills bird flu, handling or consuming raw poultry is not without health risks.
Jennifer Mishler is a reporter forSentient media
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
