Experts Warn of Rapidly Spreading Avian Virus: The Risk of the Next Human Pandemic

Introduction

In recent times, experts have been sounding the alarm about the rapid spread of an avian influenza virus, raising concerns about the potential for the next human pandemic. As the virus causes record cases of avian influenza in birds across the globe, experts emphasize the urgent need for countries to prioritize the vaccination of their poultry populations. While the risk to humans remains relatively low, the increasing number of bird flu cases in mammals has triggered a sense of urgency among experts and researchers. This article delves into the evolving nature of the H5N1 avian influenza virus and the potential risks it poses to both animals and humans.

Evolution of the Avian Influenza Virus

1. Emergence and Seasonal Outbreaks

• The H5N1 avian influenza virus first emerged in 1996 and was primarily associated with seasonal outbreaks.

2. Transformation and Increased Infectiousness

• Since mid-2021, the virus has undergone a significant transformation, becoming considerably more infectious.
• Outbreaks are now occurring year-round, spreading to new areas and causing mass deaths among wild birds.

3. Worldwide Impact

• Richard Webby, the head of the World Health Organization, describes this as the largest outbreak of avian influenza the world has witnessed.
• Tens of millions of poultry have been culled as a result of the virus's devastating effects.

4. Virulence and Spread to North America

• Research published in the journal Nature Communications confirms that the virus rapidly evolved as it spread from Europe to North America.
• The virus exhibited increased virulence in North America, causing more severe disease in affected animals.
• Experimentation on ferrets revealed higher disease severity compared to previous strains, with a substantial amount of the virus found in the ferrets' brains.

Potential Risks to Humans

1. Dynamic Nature of the Virus

• While the current risk to humans is relatively low, experts warn that the avian influenza virus is not static and continues to evolve.
• There is a potential for the virus to acquire genetic traits that make it more transmissible to humans, although such widespread transmission has not yet occurred.

2. Infections in Mammals

• Although rare, humans have contracted the avian influenza virus through close contact with infected birds.
• Concerningly, there has been an increase in the number of mammalian infections, as seen with the deaths of sea lions, penguins, otters, porpoises, and dolphins in Chile.
• Indications from a Spanish mink farm and sea lions off the South American coast suggest possible transmission of the virus between mammals.

Understanding the Challenges

1. Receptor Specificity

• Ian Brown, the head of virology at the UK's Animal and Plant Health Agency, acknowledges the virus's increasing efficiency and effectiveness in birds.
• Avian viruses bind to different receptors on host cells than human viruses, posing a challenge for the virus to infect humans.
• However, slight genetic changes in the virus could potentially lead to its adaptation for human transmission.

2. Importance of Poultry Vaccination

• Experts recommend widespread poultry vaccination to mitigate the risk to humans and reduce the number of bird flu cases.
• Countries like China, Egypt, and Vietnam have already implemented successful poultry vaccination campaigns.
• Concerns about import restrictions and the possibility of vaccinated birds getting infected still hinder the implementation of vaccination programs in other countries.
• While poultry vaccination is not a foolproof solution due to the virus's ever-changing nature, experts emphasize the need for countries to reconsider their stance on vaccination strategies.

3. Proactive Measures and

Global Cooperation

• Recognizing the looming threat of a pandemic, the global community must prioritize proactive measures to prevent its outbreak.
• Monique Eloit, the director general of the World Organisation for Animal Health, stresses the importance of discussing poultry vaccination as a viable option.
• It is crucial for countries to prioritize protective measures to safeguard both animal and human health.

Conclusion

The rapid spread of the avian influenza virus and the increasing number of cases among mammals serve as a wake-up call for the world. While the current risk to humans remains relatively low, experts warn that the virus's dynamic nature poses a potential threat of the next human pandemic. By prioritizing widespread poultry vaccination and implementing proactive measures, countries can mitigate the risk and prevent the outbreak of a devastating global pandemic.

References:

(Mint - [https://www.livemint.com/news/experts-warn-of-rapidly-spreading-avian-virus-risk-of-next-human-pandemic-11685777033186.html)