Since the United States is struggling with the relentless wool of bird flu that does not show any signs of slowing, health experts increase the alarm about what could be another global pandemic.
With the H5N1 virus, it spreads rapidly over farms, infects thousands of animals and now claims human lives, the world is based on the abyss of the health crisis.
But as the virus evolves and multiply, questions appear about whether we are really ready to face another devastating focus – or if we simply wait for inevitable development.
With more than 70 confirmed human cases and growing concerns about human transmission, clock ticks. Could it be a slowly moving pandemic that will catch all out of sight, or are we too late to stop it?
Health experts issue urgent warnings on the potential of a new pandemic, because bird flu is still spreading around the United States, now affecting all 50 states. The outbreak of H5N1 has already influenced almost 1,000 herds of milk cows and led to more than 70 human infections, including the first confirmed death from the virus.
The American poultry industry faces significant risk, especially in areas with high density and insufficient protective practices. Since 2022, more than 168 million poultry in the US has resulted in the outbreak of bird flu, causing egg prices to rise.
While the transmission to humans has not yet occurred, experts warn that mutations and reassortments-two viruses infect hosts at the same time and exchange genetic material-by could increase the risk of human spread to humans. The global viral network (GVN) urges governments to increase supervision and promote stronger biological safety measures to alleviate this risk.
Dr. Peter Palese, a leading flu research expert, emphasizes the importance of improved biological and public education protocols on safe handling of poultry and potential risks associated with infected animals.
Dr. AB Osterhaus, another GVN director, suggests that the vaccine may be essential for controlling the crisis, especially due to the growing H5N1 in mammals.
Meanwhile, Biden Administration granted modernity a contract for the development of H5N1 vaccines of $ 590 million, although there are concerns that funding could be reduced. The Pandemie (OPPR) authority, established after the COVID-19 pandemic, was reportedly left under the current administration and was not financed, while pandemic planning is now within the National Security Council.
The first death associated with bird flu in the US occurred in January, when the inhabitants of Louisiana died after the closing of the virus from the infected poultry. Since then, more than 70 human cases have been reported, mostly among farmers who were exposed to infected birds or cows. However, two cases in Missouri and California remain inexplicable.
Experts are increasingly worried about the potential of the virus to become a pandemic. Virologist Dr. Marc Johnson notes that H5N1 is trying hard to spread, with many opportunities to do because the virus continues to mutate and infects different animal species, including pigs that can host both human and bird flu.
GVN requires urgent measures to improve animal transfer supervision and implementation of biological safety measures to prevent further spread. In the US, more than 12,875 wild and domestic flocks were infected in the US, because the virus was first detected in January 2022 and 70 human cases have been reported this year, the most important number in at least two decades.
Although there is no evidence that the virus was transmitted from one person to another, it has been detected in unpasteurized milk, which caused USDA to require raw milk manufacturers to present samples for testing. Experts criticized the US response and described the pandemic as a slowed disaster.
The US currently has a supply of bird flu vaccines for both animals and people, with other available supplies of antivirol. However, work on the development of poultry vaccine is still underway and ensures that antiviral treatments are effective in infected cows.
Experts warn that immediate preparation is necessary to prevent a wider crisis and urge governments to take decisive steps to control the spread of H5N1 before they get out of control.
In conclusion, the ongoing spread of bird influenza H5N1 in the United States has increased significant alarms among health experts, and the potential of this focal escalated to the pandemic. The virus has already influenced poultry farms, herds of milk and the human population, while the number of cases continues to grow.
Although the transmission to humans has not been observed, the mutation in the virus could increase this risk, which would have to be quickly caused. Experts call for increased supervision, stronger measures for biological security and proactive approach to the government to deal with this growing threat.
The extent of focus and rapid mutation is a significant reminder of vulnerability that remain in the global pandemic readiness. With a virus that is now detected in wild animals and livestock and continuing challenges in the development and testing of the vaccine, it is essential for the authorities to take immediate action to prevent further spread.
As experts continue to monitor the situation, it is clear that a coordinated transparent reaction is needed to alleviate the risk and ensure public safety. The world must learn from past experience to prevent further crisis of the size seen at Covid-19.
