Epidemiologists are increasingly alarmed about the potential for a new pandemic triggered by the rampant spread of bird flu, specifically the H5N1 virus. Finland has taken a pioneering step by becoming the first country to start vaccinating humans against this virus. This move comes amid growing concerns from experts like German virologists Christian Drosten and Hendrik Streeck, who have emphasized the seriousness of the pathogen.
The current bird flu wave is the largest ever documented, affecting not just poultry and wild waterfowl but also mammals such as otters, cats, mink, and even dairy cows in the USA. Finland has reported bird flu outbreaks on bird and mink farms, prompting the country to begin voluntary vaccinations for those at high risk, such as veterinarians. Despite this, experts recommend minimizing contact with infected animals.
A new study by American and Japanese scientists has revealed that the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu virus may have gained the ability to transmit between mammals. This poses a greater risk to public health than previously thought. The virus has already infected workers on livestock farms in the USA, with cases reported in Colorado. The CDC maintains that the risk to the general population is low but advises close monitoring of those in contact with infected animals.
The world is witnessing the worst bird flu crisis ever recorded, with the H5N1 2.3.4.4b subtype emerging in 2021. This subtype has led to the culling of millions of farmed birds and the deaths of wild birds and mammals across all continents, including Antarctica. The virus's ability to infect both bird and mammalian cells, including humans, is particularly concerning.
Researchers have found that the virus can transmit between ferrets and possibly through milk from infected cows. This has raised alarms about the virus's potential to gain the ability to transmit between humans. Virologists like Yoshihiro Kawaoka and Elisa Pérez have emphasized the importance of containing the virus and the potential role of vaccination, though its efficacy remains uncertain.
Despite these alarming findings, the risk of human-to-human transmission remains low. Since 2021, about 30 human infections have been reported, mostly mild or asymptomatic. However, some cases have developed severe illness, and one death has been recorded. The WHO and other health organizations continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for increased surveillance and preparedness for a potential future pandemic.
- The CDC advises that people who are in contact with infected animals should be closely monitored, although the general risk to the population remains low.
- The European Center for Disease Control has noted a significant drop in avian flu cases among wild birds between March and June, which may indicate some seasonal variation in the virus's spread.
- Researchers stress the importance of not consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cows, as it can contain a high viral load capable of causing infections.
- Virologists recommend that mink and bird farms implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent the virus from spreading among animals and potentially jumping to humans.
