After identifying 58 cases bird flu in cows in the US last month, of which 2 farm workers were infected, concerns the scientific community. Additionally, non-infectious residues of the H5N1 virus were found in a sample of commercially sold cow’s milk.
“We are concerned due to the ability of the virus to mutate, thus, new strains emerge, some of which acquire the ability to infect mammals, including humans. The big concern is that the virus will mutate even more and be easily transmitted between people”, says the Hellenic Infections Society.
9 questions and answers
Through 9 questions, the scientific company provides answers about bird flu.
- What is avian flu (bird flu)?
- Bird flu is caused by the H5N1 strain of the flu virus, which mainly affects birds. Wild birds, especially aquatic birds, which are generally asymptomatic, are reservoirs of all types of avian influenza viruses, thus playing an important role in their evolution, maintenance and spread. Avian influenza viruses can mutate into highly pathogenic viruses, which are highly contagious and can cause high mortality in wild birds. Poultry (e.g. chickens) are generally infected through direct contact with wild birds and indirectly through contaminated materials.
- Why are we worried about bird flu?
- We are concerned about the economic consequences for the food industry because large numbers of poultry are killed and incinerated after confirmed cases. But we are mainly concerned with the virus’ ability to mutate, which is why new strains emerge, some of which acquire the ability to infect mammals, including humans. The big concern is that the virus will mutate further, gain the ability to spread very easily between people and therefore pose a potential threat of causing the next pandemic.
- Have there been cases of human infection with bird flu after contact with animals?
- Although avian influenza usually affects birds, mammals such as pigs, seals, wild boars and foxes have sporadically been found infected with these viruses. As of May 2024, there have been 58 cases of bird flu in cows in the US and 2 farm workers have been infected. The spread of the virus from wild birds to cows is estimated to have occurred a year ago. Additionally, non-infectious residues of the H5N1 virus were found in a sample of commercially sold cow’s milk. These data mean that the virus has adapted to mammals and acquired the ability to be easily transmitted between cows. The danger for the future is that it will evolve further, so that it can be easily transmitted between humans. So far, there have been no deaths or outbreaks in the U.S. outbreak, meaning the virus has not yet mutated enough to cause an outbreak in humans.
- Where is bird flu (usually) found?
- Bird flu occurs worldwide, with different strains more prevalent in certain regions of the world. Some of the bird flu viruses circulate in poultry in Asia, while others have spread globally through wild bird migrations.
- How is avian influenza introduced and spread among poultry in the European Union?
- It is mainly introduced through wild migratory birds such as wild geese. Infection of wild birds is seasonal, peaking in young birds in the fall. Wild birds carry viruses along migration routes and eliminate them, contaminating the environment. In winter, as wild bird movements increase and temperatures make it easier for these viruses to survive, exposure to birds increases. Furthermore, indirect contact with contaminated agricultural equipment can also contribute to bird infection. For these reasons, poultry houses should be covered and the mixing of chickens with migratory ducks and wild geese should be avoided.
- Is the bird flu virus a danger to humans?
- Most strains of the bird flu virus are relatively harmless to their natural wild bird hosts and do not infect humans. Although most bird flu viruses primarily infect birds, some variants can develop mutations that increase their ability to infect other species, such as humans. People in close contact with infected animals are at risk of becoming infected with the bird flu virus.
- Can I get bird flu from handling sick or dead birds?
- The risk of transmission of the avian influenza virus from wild birds to the general public is low. Most cases of human infection with the avian influenza virus have involved very close direct contact with sick birds. In order to minimize the risk of contracting the bird flu virus from wild birds, people should avoid touching sick or dead wild birds with their bare hands.
- Is there treatment for humans in case of infection with the bird flu virus?
- People with suspected or confirmed infection are advised to be treated as soon as possible with antiviral medications approved for the treatment of seasonal influenza and with usual supportive care.
- Is it safe to consume poultry products if bird flu is detected in the area?
- Yes, birds and poultry products placed on the European Union market can be prepared and consumed normally, following good hygiene practices and adequate cooking.