Alarming warning from WHO: Bird flu poses increased risk of adapting to humans
Bird flu
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning on Wednesday, expressing concerns that the recent surge in bird flu outbreaks among mammals could facilitate the transmission of the virus to humans.
Europe has been grappling with its most severe bird flu outbreak in history since late 2021, while North and South America have also witnessed significant outbreaks, reported AFP.
As a result, tens of millions of poultry worldwide, often infected with the H5N1 strain of the virus that emerged in 1996, have been culled.
What did the WHO say?
The WHO emphasised that avian influenza viruses primarily spread among birds.
However, the increasing number of H5N1 avian influenza cases detected in mammals, which are biologically more closely related to humans than birds, raises concerns that the virus could adapt to infect humans more easily.
)
'764 apartments, 3,820 people': Massive fire erupts in 67-storey building in Dubai Marina - WATCH
)
Man drives 300km/hr, films police chase and posts it online. It is now being used as evidence against him
)
Did Iran shoot down third Israeli F-35 jet? Tehran claims it captured two pilots after Israel slams earlier claims as 'fake news'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Iran's attack on Israel in 5 pictures - How Tehran retaliated with barrage of missiles
)
300-year-old shipwreck with $20 billion worth of treasure has four parties squabbling
)
Israel-Iran war: IDF confirms targeting Iran's nuclear weapons project sites in ‘extensive series of strikes’
)
France wants Iran back on 'negotiating table' over nuclear deal BUT Iranian president says not until Israel stops attack
)
Israel-Iran war: Israeli strike targeted defence ministry headquarters in Tehran, says Iranian media
)
Minnesota shooting suspect had HIT LIST, top Democrats including Tim Walz are on it - Did he plan more attacks?
)
Man sits on 'Van Gogh' chair, shatters art piece covered in Swarovski crystals
)
‘Iran could’ve made 15 nuclear bombs, we had no choice’: Israel
)
Mysterious radio signals just tore through Antarctic ice. They could be coming from edge of universe
)
‘Fake, baseless’: Israel denies Iran’s claim of downing two F-35 jets, capturing woman pilot
)
Putin calls Trump to wish on birthday, both say ‘Israel-Iran war should end’
)
UK moving fighter jets to West Asian region amid heightened Iran-Israel tensions, here's why
)
Did Israel just kill the US-Iran nuclear deal? Tehran slams Washington as ‘dishonest’ after sixth round of talks scrapped
)
Breaking: Israel's Haifa under attack, Israelis told to enter bomb shelters
)
Israel-Iran war: Iran launches new wave of missiles, Israel strikes Tehran | VIDEO
)
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh likely to visit China this month
)
Does Minnesota lawmakers shooting have a Trump connection? Flyers linked to Anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ rally found in suspect’s car
)
Who is Vance Boelter, the suspect in Minnesota lawmakers shootings
)
Out of Earth defence: Israel intercepts Iranian ballistic missile in space - What is exoatmospheric interception? WATCH
)
Minnesota shooting | Democratic lawmakers shot in 'politically motivated' attack at their homes, Trump reacts
)
India distances itself from SCO statement that condemned Israeli strikes on Iran, MEA explains why
)
‘Very soon, IAF jets over Tehran’: Netanyahu issues fresh WARNING for Iran, says will hit every target of 'Ayatollahs’ regime'
)
'Our enemy is your enemy': Netanyahu says Israel attacked Iran with 'clear support' from Trump - Here's what he said
)
Israel-Iran war: Israel strikes underground missile facility in western Iran's Khorramabad
)
Sri Lankan Army Chief Lasantha Rodrigo Revisits IMA Roots
)
Kim Soo hyun-Kim Sae ron scandal: Queen of Tears actor's legal team seeks forensic help for evidence validation
)
‘Years of planning, 200 aircraft, 300 munitions’: Israel smuggled drones, weapons into Iran before launching strikes | Inside Operation Rising Lion
Additionally, certain mammals can serve as mixing vessels for influenza viruses, potentially leading to the emergence of new and more harmful strains that affect animals and humans alike.
Consequences of the outbreak
The ongoing bird flu outbreaks have caused devastating consequences for animals, including poultry, wild birds, and some mammals.
These outbreaks have not only harmed farmers' livelihoods and the food trade but also pose continued risks to humans, as stated by the UN health agency.
The WHO, along with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), urged countries to collaborate in order to safeguard animals and protect human populations.
Gregorio Torres, WOAH's science chief, who spoke to AFP, highlighted the recent shift in the ecology and epidemiology of avian influenza, which has raised global concerns due to its spread into new geographical regions, unusual wild bird die-offs, and a significant increase in mammalian cases.
Also watch |Chilean Dolphins face threats from avian flu & human activity
While human bird flu cases typically result from direct or indirect exposure to infected poultry or contaminated environments, the virus does not easily transmit from person to person.
However, the WHO's pandemic preparedness chief, Sylvie Briand, emphasised the importance of vigilance in identifying any potential evolution of the virus that could enhance human transmission.
Countries were urged to enhance their monitoring capabilities, particularly those with limited prior experience in avian flu surveillance.
In light of these developments, it is crucial to remain alert and proactive in monitoring the virus, anticipating potential changes that could pose greater risks to human health, and strengthening international collaboration in addressing this ongoing threat.
(With inputs from agencies)
WATCH WION LIVE HERE: