The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued a warning of a potential human pandemic as avian influenza, also known as bird flu, spreads among wild birds in the European Union. The EFSA noted that transmission between bird and mammal species, especially in fur animal farms where outbreaks have been reported, could lead to new strains of bird flu posing a danger to humans in the future as viruses continue to evolve globally.
In a related development, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that a person in Texas tested positive for H5N1 bird flu after exposure to dairy cattle. The CDC stated that human-to-human transmission of H5N1 bird flu is low and symptoms range from mild to severe illness.
Infectious diseases expert Erica Susky highlighted the primary concern of the influenza virus mutating and adapting to spread in different species. She recommended proper infection prevention techniques and advised avoiding contact with birds and wild animals to minimize the risk of coming in contact with novel influenza strains.
These recent developments serve as a reminder of the continued threat posed by avian influenza and the importance of vigilance in monitoring and preventing the spread of the virus. Stay tuned to Bio Prep Watch for the latest updates on this evolving situation.
