EFSA Warns of Potential Bird Flu Pandemic Due to Lack of Human Immunity
Source: The DairyNews
The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) issued a stark warning on Wednesday, cautioning about the looming threat of a large-scale bird flu pandemic should the virus become transmissible between humans, given the lack of immunity in human populations.
This alert follows Texas's recent report of detecting the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in an individual who had contact with dairy cows suspected to be infected with the virus.
The potential spread of bird flu poses significant concerns for governments and the poultry industry, given its destructive impact on flocks and the possibility of human transmission. While the number of bird flu outbreaks has been relatively lower this season, its geographical spread, including to Antarctica, and its transmission to an increasing number of mammals, heighten the risk of it evolving into a more significant threat to humans.
While sustained human-to-human transmission has not been observed thus far, EFSA highlights the ongoing global evolution of these viruses. With the migration patterns of wild birds, new strains with potential mutations for mammalian adaptation could emerge.
EFSA emphasizes that if avian A(H5N1) influenza viruses acquire efficient human-to-human transmission capabilities, large-scale transmission could occur due to the lack of immune defenses against H5 viruses in humans.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there have been 887 reported cases of human infection with H5N1 avian influenza globally between January 2003 and February 26 this year, with a fatality rate of 52%. Most cases were linked to unprotected exposure to sick or dead poultry, live poultry markets, or contaminated environments.
EFSA underscores the role of wild mammals as potential bridge hosts between wild birds, domestic animals, and humans. Additionally, companion animals like cats, especially those with outdoor access, could facilitate transmission.
The virus has also affected various mammals in addition to poultry and dairy cows in the United States, including goats, foxes, raccoons, skunks, polar bears, grizzly bears, and elephant seals.
EFSA advocates for enhanced surveillance in both human and animal populations, rapid diagnostics, collaboration between the animal and human sectors, and the implementation of preventive measures such as vaccination to mitigate the risk posed by bird flu.
More information
The potential spread of bird flu poses significant concerns for governments and the poultry industry, given its destructive impact on flocks and the possibility of human transmission. While the number of bird flu outbreaks has been relatively lower this season, its geographical spread, including to Antarctica, and its transmission to an increasing number of mammals, heighten the risk of it evolving into a more significant threat to humans.
While sustained human-to-human transmission has not been observed thus far, EFSA highlights the ongoing global evolution of these viruses. With the migration patterns of wild birds, new strains with potential mutations for mammalian adaptation could emerge.
EFSA emphasizes that if avian A(H5N1) influenza viruses acquire efficient human-to-human transmission capabilities, large-scale transmission could occur due to the lack of immune defenses against H5 viruses in humans.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there have been 887 reported cases of human infection with H5N1 avian influenza globally between January 2003 and February 26 this year, with a fatality rate of 52%. Most cases were linked to unprotected exposure to sick or dead poultry, live poultry markets, or contaminated environments.
EFSA underscores the role of wild mammals as potential bridge hosts between wild birds, domestic animals, and humans. Additionally, companion animals like cats, especially those with outdoor access, could facilitate transmission.
The virus has also affected various mammals in addition to poultry and dairy cows in the United States, including goats, foxes, raccoons, skunks, polar bears, grizzly bears, and elephant seals.
EFSA advocates for enhanced surveillance in both human and animal populations, rapid diagnostics, collaboration between the animal and human sectors, and the implementation of preventive measures such as vaccination to mitigate the risk posed by bird flu.
More information
