Experts have raised concerns after avian influenza, or bird flu, was detected in the Antarctica region for the first time. British experts say that the deadly virus could pose a threat to penguins and other local species.&nbsp;

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) said its staff at Bird Island, which is a remote British research station, noticed that a type of bird called skuas were sick and dying in South Georgia.&nbsp;

The tests were sent to Britain and the brown skua seabirds were found positive for avian influenza, said the UK's Polar Research Institute in a statement on Monday (Oct 23).&nbsp;

It added that the virus was most likely brought by birds returning from their migration to South America, where there has been a huge number of bird flu cases.&nbsp;

The virus has already killed an estimated 500,000 seabirds and 20,000 sea lions in Chile and Peru alone.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-ancient-tectonic-plate-that-disappeared-20-million-years-ago-650437">Scientists discover ancient tectonic plate that disappeared 20 million years ago</a>

The statement added that the visitors to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are under enhanced biosecurity measures. They also added that in that region, the scientific fieldwork involving birds has been stopped.&nbsp;

There have been regular bird flu outbreaks since the virus first emerged in 1996. Much larger outbreaks started to spread southward to previously untouched areas, including South America since mid-2021. It led to mass deaths among wild birds and tens of millions of poultry being culled.&nbsp;

Michelle Wille, who is a bird flu expert at the University of Melbourne, said the spread of bird flu to the Antarctica region was "devastating news".&nbsp;

She wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "The situation could change rapidly."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/californias-supervolcano-shows-signs-of-activity-over-2000-earthquakes-rumble-beneath-valley-650724">California's supervolcano shows signs of activity, over 2,000 earthquakes rumble beneath valley</a>

As quoted by The Guardian, Ashley Bennison, the BAS science manager for Bird Island, said: "This is a particularly sad event to confirm. We will continue to monitor the species on the island as best as we can and keep the science going, but we are unsure of the full impact at the moment."&nbsp;

Ian Brown, virology head at the UK's Animal and Plant Health Agency, warned last week that there was a risk migrating birds could spread the virus from South America to the Antarctica islands and then onto the main landmass.

This could be a "real concern" for populations of birds such as penguins that are unique to Antarctica, he told journalists.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Experts have raised concerns after avian influenza, or bird flu, was detected in the Antarctica region for the first time. British experts say that the deadly virus could pose a threat to penguins and other local species.

Experts have raised concerns after avian influenza, or bird flu, was detected in the Antarctica region for the first time. British experts say that the deadly virus could pose a threat to penguins and other local species. The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) said its staff at Bird Island, which is a remote British research station, noticed that a type of bird called skuas were sick and dying in South Georgia. The tests were sent to Britain and the brown skua seabirds were found positive for avian influenza, said the UK's Polar Research Institute in a statement on Monday (Oct 23). It added that the virus was most likely brought by birds returning from their migration to South America, where there has been a huge number of bird flu cases. The virus has already killed an estimated 500,000 seabirds and 20,000 sea lions in Chile and Peru alone. Also read: Scientists discover ancient tectonic plate that disappeared 20 million years ago The statement added that the visitors to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are under enhanced biosecurity measures. They also added that in that region, the scientific fieldwork involving birds has been stopped. There have been regular bird flu outbreaks since the virus first emerged in 1996. Much larger outbreaks started to spread southward to previously untouched areas, including South America since mid-2021. It led to mass deaths among wild birds and tens of millions of poultry being culled. Michelle Wille, who is a bird flu expert at the University of Melbourne, said the spread of bird flu to the Antarctica region was "devastating news". She wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "The situation could change rapidly." Also read: California's supervolcano shows signs of activity, over 2,000 earthquakes rumble beneath valley As quoted by The Guardian, Ashley Bennison, the BAS science manager for Bird Island, said: "This is a particularly sad event to confirm. We will continue to monitor the species on the island as best as we can and keep the science going, but we are unsure of the full impact at the moment." Ian Brown, virology head at the UK's Animal and Plant Health Agency, warned last week that there was a risk migrating birds could spread the virus from South America to the Antarctica islands and then onto the main landmass. This could be a "real concern" for populations of birds such as penguins that are unique to Antarctica, he told journalists. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bird flu detected in Antarctica region for the first time, experts raise concerns

A study conducted by an international team of scientists led by the University of Hong Kong found that the epicentre of the deadly bird flu outbreaks moved to Europe and Africa from Asia. The findings of the research published in the journal, Nature on Wednesday (Oct 18) also suggest that the strain currently circulating worldwide has become increasingly infectious among wild birds.

<h2>How was the study conducted?</h2>

The international team of researchers analysed the outbreaks of the H5N1 which has been classified as a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus given the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/current-avian-flu-strain-deadlier-may-become-endemic-study-584384">high death toll</a> in poultry. It was said to have been first detected in birds in China back in 1996.&nbsp;

Scientists studied the outbreaks between 2005 and 2022 and used the data on confirmed cases from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).&nbsp;

They have attributed the current outbreak to a highly infectious variant of H5N1 which is becoming increasingly infectious to wild birds.&nbsp;

It also caused Europe’s worst bird flu outbreak, before spreading globally. This strain has reportedly reached every continent except Oceania and Antarctica.&nbsp;

<h2>What was found?</h2>

The bird flu viruses which typically emerged from Asia for 25 years had not undergone any major change but their spread among wild birds indicates that the outbreaks are shifting, said the study.

The current strain first emerged in Europe in 2020.&nbsp;Around that time researchers also noted how the rate of spread among wild birds was three times faster than that in farmed poultry due to the mutations which allowed the virus to adapt to diverse species. 
&nbsp; 
The spread of bird flu within the poultry industry is determined by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-vaccinate-millions-of-ducks-against-bird-flu-despite-risk-of-import-restrictions-641798">human activity</a>&nbsp;and the trading of birds. However, for wild birds, it is their migratory routes that indicate where the disease will spread and with flyways along the east Atlantic and Pacific, the virus was able to spread to areas that had never been exposed to it before. &nbsp;

“These results highlight a shift in the HPAI H5 epicentre beyond Asia,” researchers wrote in the paper. The study also noted how outbreaks are typically seasonal and synchronise with bird migration in the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;

However, since November 2021, they have become persistent which led to the killing of millions of birds across five continents in 2022.&nbsp;

But despite the number of outbreaks, only 0.2 per cent of cases were sequenced, the researchers noted, urging the countries to ramp up surveillance to understand how the virus is changing.&nbsp;

<h2>Need for better data collection</h2>

To study the changes in the virus’&nbsp;behaviour, researchers also analysed more than 10,000 viral genomes and found that around mid-2020, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bird-flu-thing-of-past-scientists-achieve-major-breakthrough-with-gene-editing-645150">new H5N1 strain</a> evolved from an earlier variety, called H5N8.&nbsp;

This new variant first emerged in poultry in Egypt between 2016 and 2017 and is said to be the cause of global flare-ups throughout 2020 and 2021.&nbsp;

“Once it’s adapted to wild birds, we have no mechanism to control the virus. And I think that’s the biggest impact that has changed now,” says co-author Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran from the University of Hong Kong.

 
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A study conducted by an international team of scientists led by the University of Hong Kong found that the epicentre of the deadly bird flu outbreaks moved to Europe and Africa from Asia.

A study conducted by an international team of scientists led by the University of Hong Kong found that the epicentre of the deadly bird flu outbreaks moved to Europe and Africa from Asia. The findings of the research published in the journal, Nature on Wednesday (Oct 18) also suggest that the strain currently circulating worldwide has become increasingly infectious among wild birds. How was the study conducted? The international team of researchers analysed the outbreaks of the H5N1 which has been classified as a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus given the high death toll in poultry. It was said to have been first detected in birds in China back in 1996. Scientists studied the outbreaks between 2005 and 2022 and used the data on confirmed cases from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). They have attributed the current outbreak to a highly infectious variant of H5N1 which is becoming increasingly infectious to wild birds. It also caused Europe’s worst bird flu outbreak, before spreading globally. This strain has reportedly reached every continent except Oceania and Antarctica. What was found? The bird flu viruses which typically emerged from Asia for 25 years had not undergone any major change but their spread among wild birds indicates that the outbreaks are shifting, said the study. The current strain first emerged in Europe in 2020. Around that time researchers also noted how the rate of spread among wild birds was three times faster than that in farmed poultry due to the mutations which allowed the virus to adapt to diverse species. The spread of bird flu within the poultry industry is determined by human activity and the trading of birds. However, for wild birds, it is their migratory routes that indicate where the disease will spread and with flyways along the east Atlantic and Pacific, the virus was able to spread to areas that had never been exposed to it before. “These results highlight a shift in the HPAI H5 epicentre beyond Asia,” researchers wrote in the paper. The study also noted how outbreaks are typically seasonal and synchronise with bird migration in the Northern Hemisphere. However, since November 2021, they have become persistent which led to the killing of millions of birds across five continents in 2022. But despite the number of outbreaks, only 0.2 per cent of cases were sequenced, the researchers noted, urging the countries to ramp up surveillance to understand how the virus is changing. Need for better data collection To study the changes in the virus’ behaviour, researchers also analysed more than 10,000 viral genomes and found that around mid-2020, a new H5N1 strain evolved from an earlier variety, called H5N8. This new variant first emerged in poultry in Egypt between 2016 and 2017 and is said to be the cause of global flare-ups throughout 2020 and 2021. “Once it’s adapted to wild birds, we have no mechanism to control the virus. And I think that’s the biggest impact that has changed now,” says co-author Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran from the University of Hong Kong. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Epicentre beyond Asia’: Deadly bird flu outbreaks ‘migrated’ to Europe and Africa, finds study

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued a recommendation for cat and dog owners to keep their pets indoors in response to a surge in avian influenza cases worldwide. This guidance comes after 24 cats tested positive for the virus in Poland.

<h2>EFSA recommendation</h2>

To prevent exposure, EFSA has advised pet owners to avoid contact between domestic cats, dogs, and other carnivorous pets with dead or sick animals.

"Possible measures are keeping dogs on a leash, and confining cats indoors in areas where extensive circulation of HPAI [highly pathogenic avian influenza] viruses in wild birds has been confirmed," it said in a bulletin.

The EFSA's recommendation serves as a precautionary measure to protect pets from avian influenza and mitigate the risk of further transmission.

Italy has reported infections in five dogs and one cat in recent weeks, while Poland has witnessed 24 cases in domestic cats across various regions since June 10.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/success-is-possible-unaids-insists-end-of-aids-is-still-possible-by-2030-urges-global-action-615163">'Success is possible': UNAIDS insists 'end of AIDS' is still possible by 2030, urges global action</a>

The exact source of contamination has not yet been determined, but one hypothesis is that the infected animals may have consumed raw poultry meat contaminated with the virus.

<h2>A 'bird flu' vaccine for birds</h2>

In response to the escalating cases of bird flu, in April, the United States begun testing several vaccine candidates for potential use in birds.

As per AFP, France aims to commence poultry vaccination as early as autumn this year.

However, Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, cautioned that vaccination alone is not a definitive solution as the virus continually evolves. In his words, vaccinating poultry was not a "a silver bullet because the virus changes constantly."

<h2>Bird flu and humans</h2>

Avian influenza, caused by the H5N1 virus, had previously been mostly limited to seasonal outbreaks since its emergence in 1996. However, in mid-2021, a significant change occurred, making the group of viruses much more infectious, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) collaborating centre that studies influenza in animals.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alarming-warning-from-who-bird-flu-poses-increased-risk-of-adapting-to-humans-614852">Alarming warning from WHO: Bird flu poses increased risk of adapting to humans</a>

Although rare, humans can contract the avian influenza virus, typically after close contact with infected birds. In recent times, the virus has also been detected in an increasing number of mammals.

On Wednesday, the WHO also issued a warning that the recent surge in bird flu outbreaks among mammals could facilitate the transmission of the virus to humans.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued a recommendation for cat and dog owners to keep their pets indoors in response to a surge in avian influenza cases worldwide.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued a recommendation for cat and dog owners to keep their pets indoors in response to a surge in avian influenza cases worldwide. This guidance comes after 24 cats tested positive for the virus in Poland. EFSA recommendation To prevent exposure, EFSA has advised pet owners to avoid contact between domestic cats, dogs, and other carnivorous pets with dead or sick animals. "Possible measures are keeping dogs on a leash, and confining cats indoors in areas where extensive circulation of HPAI [highly pathogenic avian influenza] viruses in wild birds has been confirmed," it said in a bulletin. The EFSA's recommendation serves as a precautionary measure to protect pets from avian influenza and mitigate the risk of further transmission. Italy has reported infections in five dogs and one cat in recent weeks, while Poland has witnessed 24 cases in domestic cats across various regions since June 10. Also read | 'Success is possible': UNAIDS insists 'end of AIDS' is still possible by 2030, urges global action The exact source of contamination has not yet been determined, but one hypothesis is that the infected animals may have consumed raw poultry meat contaminated with the virus. A 'bird flu' vaccine for birds In response to the escalating cases of bird flu, in April, the United States begun testing several vaccine candidates for potential use in birds. As per AFP, France aims to commence poultry vaccination as early as autumn this year. However, Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, cautioned that vaccination alone is not a definitive solution as the virus continually evolves. In his words, vaccinating poultry was not a "a silver bullet because the virus changes constantly." Bird flu and humans Avian influenza, caused by the H5N1 virus, had previously been mostly limited to seasonal outbreaks since its emergence in 1996. However, in mid-2021, a significant change occurred, making the group of viruses much more infectious, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) collaborating centre that studies influenza in animals. Also read | Alarming warning from WHO: Bird flu poses increased risk of adapting to humans Although rare, humans can contract the avian influenza virus, typically after close contact with infected birds. In recent times, the virus has also been detected in an increasing number of mammals. On Wednesday, the WHO also issued a warning that the recent surge in bird flu outbreaks among mammals could facilitate the transmission of the virus to humans. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EU agency urges pet owners to keep cats and dogs indoors amid rising cases of avian influenza

The head of the World Organisation&nbsp;for&nbsp;Animal Health&nbsp;(WOAH), on Sunday (May 21) said governments worldwide should consider vaccinating birds against bird flu or avian influenza to stop it from becoming another pandemic. This comes as the disease has already killed hundreds of millions of birds worldwide and even infected some humans.&nbsp;

<h2>Head of WOAH&nbsp;raises concerns about bird flu&nbsp;</h2>

In an interview with news agency Reuters, WOAH Director General Monique Eloit said “We are coming out of a COVID crisis where every country realised the hypothesis of a pandemic was real.”&nbsp;

The interview also comes ahead of a five-day general session which will begin on Sunday where WOAH will hold talks focusing on global control of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI.&nbsp;

“Since almost every country that does international trade has now been infected, maybe it's time to discuss vaccination, in addition to systematic culling which remains the main tool (to control the disease),” Eloit told Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>France to begin vaccinations</h2>

The country where the WOAH is based, France, will be the first one to start vaccinating ducks this autumn. Last year, the European Union’s 27 member states agreed to implement a bird flu vaccination strategy.&nbsp;

Eloit told Reuters how if a bloc like the EU, which remains a large exporter, moves in that direction, “it will have a ricochet impact”.&nbsp;

Notably, only 25 per cent of member states that are a part of the WOAH will accept imports of products from poultry vaccinated against avian influenza, reported Reuters citing a survey done by the animal health body.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) told the news agency on Friday that the “USDA continues to research vaccine options that can protect poultry from this persistent threat.”&nbsp;

However, the agriculture department continues to consider biosecurity measures to be the most effective tool for mitigating the virus in commercial flocks, the USDA told Reuters. 
 
Meanwhile, Eloit said vaccination should focus on free-range poultry, mainly ducks since bird flu is transmitted by infected migrating wild birds, reported Reuters, adding that vaccinating broilers, which account for nearly 60 per cent of global poultry output, makes less sense.&nbsp;

<h2>A new pandemic in the making?</h2>

Earlier this year, World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke about how the spread of H5N1 influenza needs to be monitored. He also said that while the virus has spread among poultry and wild birds for over two decades now, recent reports of infections in mammals like mink, otters and sea lions “need to be monitored closely”.&nbsp;

Tedros noted that while the risk of H5N1 influenza infecting humans remains low and has been rare since the strain first emerged nearly 30 years ago, countries must prepare for any change in the status quo.&nbsp;

Last week, two poultry workers in England tested positive for bird flu, reported the United Kingdom Health and Security Agency, but found no signs of human-to-human transmission. They also said neither of them had shown any symptoms of the infection and were found positive during a screening.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The head of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), on Sunday (May 21) said governments worldwide should consider vaccinating birds against bird flu or avian influenza to stop it from becoming another pandemic.

The head of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), on Sunday (May 21) said governments worldwide should consider vaccinating birds against bird flu or avian influenza to stop it from becoming another pandemic. This comes as the disease has already killed hundreds of millions of birds worldwide and even infected some humans. Head of WOAH raises concerns about bird flu In an interview with news agency Reuters, WOAH Director General Monique Eloit said “We are coming out of a COVID crisis where every country realised the hypothesis of a pandemic was real.” The interview also comes ahead of a five-day general session which will begin on Sunday where WOAH will hold talks focusing on global control of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI. “Since almost every country that does international trade has now been infected, maybe it's time to discuss vaccination, in addition to systematic culling which remains the main tool (to control the disease),” Eloit told Reuters. France to begin vaccinations The country where the WOAH is based, France, will be the first one to start vaccinating ducks this autumn. Last year, the European Union’s 27 member states agreed to implement a bird flu vaccination strategy. Eloit told Reuters how if a bloc like the EU, which remains a large exporter, moves in that direction, “it will have a ricochet impact”. Notably, only 25 per cent of member states that are a part of the WOAH will accept imports of products from poultry vaccinated against avian influenza, reported Reuters citing a survey done by the animal health body. Meanwhile, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) told the news agency on Friday that the “USDA continues to research vaccine options that can protect poultry from this persistent threat.” However, the agriculture department continues to consider biosecurity measures to be the most effective tool for mitigating the virus in commercial flocks, the USDA told Reuters. Meanwhile, Eloit said vaccination should focus on free-range poultry, mainly ducks since bird flu is transmitted by infected migrating wild birds, reported Reuters, adding that vaccinating broilers, which account for nearly 60 per cent of global poultry output, makes less sense. A new pandemic in the making? Earlier this year, World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke about how the spread of H5N1 influenza needs to be monitored. He also said that while the virus has spread among poultry and wild birds for over two decades now, recent reports of infections in mammals like mink, otters and sea lions “need to be monitored closely”. Tedros noted that while the risk of H5N1 influenza infecting humans remains low and has been rare since the strain first emerged nearly 30 years ago, countries must prepare for any change in the status quo. Last week, two poultry workers in England tested positive for bird flu, reported the United Kingdom Health and Security Agency, but found no signs of human-to-human transmission. They also said neither of them had shown any symptoms of the infection and were found positive during a screening. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Animal health body calls for vaccine for birds against avian flu amid pandemic concerns

A little over a fortnight after China reported its first case of H3N8 bird flu in 2023, a 56-year-old woman has died in the country's Guangdong province, becoming the first known human fatality from the avian influenza strain, according to World Health Organization (WHO).

A little over a fortnight after China reported its first case of H3N8 bird flu in 2023, a 56-year-old woman has died in the country's Guangdong province, becoming the first known human fatality from the avian influenza strain, according to World Health Organization (WHO). WHO confirmed the death after two non-fatal cases had emerged in China in April and May last year. The deceased woman had underlying conditions and was in and around poultry when she contracted the disease. “The patient had multiple underlying conditions. She had a history of exposure to live poultry before the onset of the disease, and a history of wild bird presence around her home,” the UN health agency said in a statement. “No close contacts of the case developed an infection or symptoms of illness at the time of reporting,” it added. WATCH | Chile detects bird flu in a 53-year-old man; Why is this matter of concern? × The Geneva-based health body said the virus could not spread rapidly from one human to another but it was closely monitoring the virus for any mutations. "The risk of it spreading among humans at the national, regional, and international levels is considered to be low,” said WHO. “However, due to the constantly evolving nature of influenza viruses, WHO stresses the importance of global surveillance to detect virological, epidemiological and clinical changes associated with circulating influenza viruses which may affect human (or animal) health.” ALSO READ | What is H3N8 or bird flu? China reports first case of 2023, here's all you need to know The first ever case of H3N8 was detected last year in April when a four-year-old boy in central China became critically ill. His pets, a dog and a cat were also infected. The second case was reported from the Hunan province in May 2022 when a five-year-old developed mild symptoms but recovered quickly thereafter. What is H3N8 bird flu? According to WHO, there is limited information on the avian influenza A(H3N8) virus when compared to other avian influenza A(H3) viruses circulating in animals. However, H3N8 is usually detected in animals, especially wild birds. It is not uncommon to find the virus in horses and is one of the two viruses which cause dog flu. While it was never found in humans until 2022, some researchers believe that it might have caused the 1889 pandemic, which was known as the "Russian flu," or "Asiatic flu". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

First H3N8 bird flu death reported in China, says WHO

China&nbsp;reports its first H3N8 bird flu of&nbsp;2023, local officials reported. In a brief statement on Monday, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that a 56-year-old woman from Zhongshan City had been infected with H3N8. According to officials, this is the third time that the virus has been discovered in the country, although a previous strain caused the 1889 pandemic, BNO News reported.&nbsp;It added that the woman has multiple myeloma and other health conditions, and was exposed to live poultry before falling ill. The statement also mentioned that wild birds were frequently found near houses. The Guangdong CDC said that no abnormalities or symptoms have been found in close contact so far. "Experts believe that this is a sporadic case and the risk of virus transmission is low at this stage." No further details have been revealed about the woman.&nbsp;

<h3>What is bird flu or H3N8?</h3>

Bird flu is found in birds but also horses and is one of the two viruses which cause dog flu. It is a subtype of the Influenza A virus.&nbsp;

It is also known as the Equine influenza virus.&nbsp;

While it was never found in humans until 2022, some researchers have long believed that it might have caused the 1889 pandemic, which was known as the "Russian flu," or "Asiatic flu."&nbsp;

<h3>History: H3N8 cases in China</h3>

The first ever case of H3N8 in China was detected back in April 2022, when a 4-year-old boy in central China became seriously ill. His pets- dog and cat were also infected.&nbsp;

The second case was logged when a 5-year-old boy from Hunan province fell ill in May 2022 but recovered quickly after only mild symptoms.&nbsp;

China reports its first H3N8 bird flu of 2023, local officials reported. In a brief statement on Monday, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that a 56-year-old woman from Zhongshan City had been infected with H3N8.

China reports its first H3N8 bird flu of 2023, local officials reported. In a brief statement on Monday, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that a 56-year-old woman from Zhongshan City had been infected with H3N8. According to officials, this is the third time that the virus has been discovered in the country, although a previous strain caused the 1889 pandemic, BNO News reported. It added that the woman has multiple myeloma and other health conditions, and was exposed to live poultry before falling ill. The statement also mentioned that wild birds were frequently found near houses. The Guangdong CDC said that no abnormalities or symptoms have been found in close contact so far. "Experts believe that this is a sporadic case and the risk of virus transmission is low at this stage." No further details have been revealed about the woman. What is bird flu or H3N8? Bird flu is found in birds but also horses and is one of the two viruses which cause dog flu. It is a subtype of the Influenza A virus. It is also known as the Equine influenza virus. While it was never found in humans until 2022, some researchers have long believed that it might have caused the 1889 pandemic, which was known as the "Russian flu," or "Asiatic flu." History: H3N8 cases in China The first ever case of H3N8 in China was detected back in April 2022, when a 4-year-old boy in central China became seriously ill. His pets- dog and cat were also infected. The second case was logged when a 5-year-old boy from Hunan province fell ill in May 2022 but recovered quickly after only mild symptoms.

What is H3N8 or bird flu? China reports first case of 2023, here's all you need to know

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