The World Organisation for Animal Health is raising alarm bells about the increased risk of humans being infected by bird flu, as the virus spreads to new species and regions. Monique Eloit, head of the organisation, has issued a warning about the potential consequences of this worrying trend.
Cases of bird flu have recently been reported in dairy cows in the U.S. and even in a person in Texas. Investigations are ongoing to determine the possibility of transmission of the virus between cows and humans. This development has heightened concerns about the spread of avian influenza to different mammal species, including foxes, cats, tigers, seals, dolphins, and bears. In response, hundreds of millions of poultry have been culled to curb the outbreak.
The virus has also made its way to new regions like South America and Antarctica, where it has decimated colonies of rare species. Eloit has pointed out the higher viral load in animals, which increases the risk of contamination for humans. Additionally, the European Food Safety Agency has warned about the potential for bird flu to mutate into a form that is transmissible between mammals, including humans.
While the current risk of humans catching the disease from infected animals is low for those not exposed, experts are cautioning about the possibility of a large-scale pandemic if transmission between humans occurs. It is crucial for authorities to closely monitor and control the spread of bird flu to prevent any further escalation of this serious public health threat. Stay tuned to ‘Poh Diaries’ for more updates on this pressing issue.
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