Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is not a new concern, but its recent developments have elevated its importance in public health discussions. Over the past few decades, the virus has not only spread among wild bird populations but has also crossed over to domestic animals and, in rare instances, humans. Understanding the nature of avian influenza, how it spreads, and the precautions we can take is critical in mitigating its impact on agriculture, human health, and global economies.
What Is Avian Influenza and Why Is It Dangerous ?
Avian influenza refers to influenza viruses that primarily affect birds. Among these, the H5N1 strain has garnered significant attention. Unlike seasonal influenza, which predominantly affects humans during the colder months, H5N1 primarily spreads among birds and other species. However, it can infect humans in certain circumstances.
The H5N1 virus was first identified in 1996 when it was transmitted from wild birds to domestic birds. Its highly pathogenic nature allows it to cause severe illness and death in infected birds and other species. For example, during a 1997 outbreak in Southern China and Hong Kong, over 860 people were infected, and more than half succumbed to the virus. This alarming fatality rate highlights the potential severity of the disease if it spreads widely among humans.
Read also : Read also : Best Practices for Collecting , Handling , and Treating Lithium Batteries – 2025 Industry Guide
How Does Avian Influenza Spread ?
The spread of H5N1 is primarily linked to migratory wild birds, many of which carry the virus without showing symptoms. During migration, these birds stop for food and water, where they may come into contact with domestic poultry, leading to outbreaks. Infected domestic birds often die within days of exposure.
Recent outbreaks have been unprecedented in scale. The strain detected in U.S. poultry in 2022 led to the death or culling of nearly 150 million domestic birds, significantly impacting the poultry industry and driving up egg prices. Beyond birds, avian influenza has been detected in a wide range of animals, including skunks, foxes, dolphins, and even dairy cattle as of 2024. This broader spread underscores the virus’s adaptability and potential to affect ecosystems.
Human Cases of Avian Influenza : How Common Are They ?
While human infections remain rare, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented 67 confirmed cases in the United States. Agricultural workers, particularly those in contact with infected animals or raw milk, are the most at risk. Transmission to humans typically occurs through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces, with the virus entering the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Most human cases in the U.S. have been mild, presenting symptoms like eye redness, fever, and congestion. However, in some instances, moderate to severe symptoms—including high fever, shortness of breath, and even seizures—have been reported. These cases often require medical intervention and may take weeks for recovery. Fortunately, infections in the U.S. have been isolated, and widespread human-to-human transmission has not occurred.
Read also : EU Renewable Transport Energy : Can We Reach 29% by 2030 ?
Can You Get Avian Influenza From Food?
The risk of contracting avian influenza from consuming eggs, poultry, or beef is minimal, particularly when these foods are properly prepared. According to the CDC, there is no evidence that handling or eating cooked poultry products has resulted in human infections. To ensure safety, cook poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165°F, ground beef to 160°F, and cuts of beef to 145°F (allowing a three-minute rest period).
On the other hand, unpasteurized milk and products derived from raw milk pose a higher risk. Pasteurization effectively inactivates influenza viruses and other harmful pathogens. Reports of avian influenza particles in pasteurized milk indicate only inactive viruses, which are not capable of causing infections. To stay safe, avoid raw milk and products made from it, such as soft cheeses and yogurt.
Who Is Most at Risk of Avian Influenza?
Certain groups are more vulnerable to severe outcomes if they contract avian influenza. These include young children, adults over 65, immunocompromised individuals, and those with preexisting health conditions. While the current risk to the general U.S. population remains low, experts caution that a mutation enabling easier human-to-human transmission could change this dynamic.
Read also : How to Recover from a Data Breach and Safeguard Your Personal Data
Preventing Avian Influenza : Safety Tips
Preventing avian influenza involves simple yet effective measures:
- Avoid Contact With Sick Birds: If you encounter a dead or visibly ill bird, report it to local wildlife or health authorities. Use gloves and a mask when disposing of dead birds, and double-bag the carcass before discarding it.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, disinfect surfaces, and avoid touching your face after handling animals or raw products.
- Protect Backyard Poultry: For those raising chickens, monitor for signs of illness such as lethargy, reduced food intake, or discharge from the eyes or nose. If you suspect infection, wear protective gear, including gloves, safety goggles, and an N95 mask, when handling sick birds.
Risks to Pets : Can Cats and Dogs Get Avian Influenza ?
While rare, pets like cats and dogs can contract avian influenza if exposed to infected birds or contaminated raw foods. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has documented cases in cats fed raw pet food or raw milk products. To safeguard your pets, avoid feeding them raw animal products and limit their exposure to wild or sick birds.
Read also : The EU’s Shift Towards Greater Sustainable Competitiveness
The Search for an Avian Influenza Vaccine
Currently, there is no publicly available vaccine for H5N1 avian influenza. However, the CDC has developed several vaccine candidates, and updates to older stockpiled vaccines are underway to address newer strains. Researchers continue to monitor the virus for genetic changes that might enable human-to-human transmission
Efforts to Control the Spread of Avian Influenza
To contain outbreaks, infected commercial flocks are culled to prevent further transmission. Researchers and health officials closely track cases globally to identify changes in the virus. Public health agencies are also working to raise awareness and promote preventive measures to minimize risks to humans and animals.
Staying Informed About Avian Influenza
Avian influenza remains a serious concern, especially for those in close contact with domestic birds or infected animals. While the general public faces a low risk of infection, staying informed about preventive measures and developments in vaccine research can help mitigate future threats. By following safety guidelines and supporting global efforts to monitor and control the virus, we can collectively reduce the impact of this ongoing challenge.
Source : Consumer Reports
InfoCons – European Organization for Consumer Protection and Promotion of Programs and Strategies , a full member of the World Organization Consumers International , founding member of the Federation of Consumer Associations , and member of ANEC .