Avian flu is a viral disease affecting wild birds and poultry. Though rare, it can spread to humans and other animals.
The latest outbreak raises alarms due to its rapid spread and high lethality rate. It has caused significant harm to agriculture and wildlife. Rising fears of human transmission are driving increased monitoring and prevention efforts worldwide.
What is the avian flu?
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is an illness caused by the avian influenza A (H5) and A (H7) viruses. It is commonly known as avian flu or bird flu.
The virus spreads among wild birds and infects other animals, including domesticated poultry. While rare, human infections can occur, though humans are generally less susceptible. Bird flu is extremely lethal to poultry, with no known treatment except culling. Large outbreaks can disrupt farm industries, ecological health, and the global economy.
What threats are posed by the latest outbreak of avian flu?
The latest avian flu outbreak began in 2022. Since then, over 100 million cases have been reported in wild birds, poultry, and other animals. Eleven human cases have been documented so far, four from cattle and seven from poultry.
Previous outbreaks lasted one or two years, but this strain is more persistent. Its spread has been rapid and infection has proved unusually fatal. Conservation efforts for some bird species are undermined by the virus’s deadliness.
There is concern that this outbreak could become a global pandemic. As the virus reaches the Americas, fears mount about its impact on local wildlife. For example, a large-scale outbreak devastated pelican and sea lion populations in Peru.
Are human populations at risk of an avian flu outbreak?
The risk of human infection from bird flu could increase if the virus evolves. Currently, the virus can reproduce in mammals but is not transmissible between humans. For this to occur, the virus would need to spread through airborne droplets, like seasonal flu.
As the virus adapts to mammals, this mutation becomes more likely. Bird flu could evolve to latch onto human respiratory systems. With this ability, the virus could spread rapidly between humans.
Luckily, cattle with bird flu are not showing respiratory symptoms like mucus seepage. Instead, concentrations of avian flu are appearing in samples of raw milk. Transmission may be occurring as part of the milking process.
The CDC has not detected any increase in human cases of avian flu. Still, careful monitoring and precautions are necessary to mitigate risk.
What prevention methods are in place for avian flu?
The FDA and USDA have declared the current milk supply safe for human consumption. Through pasteurization, milk heated to a high temperature kills dangerous bacteria and viruses. This process has kept humans safe from infections, including avian flu, for over 100 years.
Additionally, the FDA has funded four veterinary research centers. One such organization, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is researching genome-edited chickens. Its goal is to build resistance to bird flu by targeting avian flu related proteins and genes.
The USDA has also been closely tracking bird flu in cows. Most cattle recover, but vigilance is necessary to stop further spread. Dairy farmers can protect their herds by:
- Limiting visitors
- Using disinfectants to guard against germs
- Keeping different species separate
- Monitoring for signs of illness
- Quarantining sick animals and seeking immediate veterinary care
Surveillance systems built by researchers for COVID-19 are monitoring avian flu for mutations. Additionally, bird flu tests are ready for administration throughout the US. Tamiflu, a medication for avian flu, is plentifully stocked in pharmacies. Vaccines are in trial to mitigate future outbreaks.
The threat of avian flu continues to grow with each new outbreak. Vigilance and prevention are crucial to limit its ongoing and future impacts.
Have an upcoming trip? Passport Health offers a wide variety of options to help keep you safe from disease, from vaccinations to repellents. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Logan Hamilton is a freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
