Bird Flu: Global Virus Network warns against the rising danger of H5N1
In a new report, the Global Virus Network (GVN) has urged governments to promote monitoring, strengthen agricultural safety measures, and prepare for the possibility of human-human spread of bird flu.
Amid increasing cases of H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) in North America, global health experts have called for immediate action to prevent the virus from becoming a major threat.
In a new report published in the Lancet, the Global Virus Network (GVN) has urged governments to promote monitoring, strengthen agricultural safety measures and prepare for the possibility of human-human spread.
GVN is a group of Virologists of over 80 centers in 40 countries. They warns that H5N1 is no longer a bird flu, it has already jumped into dairy cows and humans, and genetic changes in the virus can make it easier to spread among people in the future.
Chief Medical Officer of GVN, Dr. Stan Vermund said, “The ability of the virus to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underlines the importance of active monitoring.”
The outbreak has affected a herd of about 1,000 dairy cows across the US, which reported more than 70 human infections and one death.
Since 2022, more than 168 million hen birds in the US have been lost or closed. The virus is now discovered in all 50 states and some parts of Canada.
So far, there is no confirmation of human-human transmission. But experts have warned that the mixture with mutation or other flu virus can increase that risk.
Marion Copman, a famous virologist from the Netherlands, emphasized the need to sharp genetic data rapidly.
“Monitoring in the human-paste interface requires continuous investment and immediate sharing of unusual field comments,” he said.
GVN underlined a multi-step strategy to prepare for any future outbreak:
- Extended testing of animals, milk, waste water and exposed farmwork
- Better farm safety, including the use of individual safety equipment (PPE)
- Rollout of clinical trials and vaccines for animals and humans
- Rapid clinical tests to test vaccines and treatments if new strains appear
- Global cooperation to share data and improve feedback efforts
An influenza specialist from Mount Sinai, Egypt, Dr. Peter Palesse said that public education and farm should be strengthened to reduce bio -safety.
Meanwhile, a German specialist at the Zunotic virus, Ab Osterhouse indicated the need to control the virus in cattle, where the monitoring is still weak.
Dr. from Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. Alice Sticker said, “A strong monitoring system is required to detect and detect outbreaks.”
Experts suggest that initial action may now stop another global health crisis.
