Recent Bird Flu Outbreaks and Its Impact
Bird flu is a viral respiratory disease mainly affecting poultry and other bird species, including migratory waterbirds, pet birds, and ostriches. Though rare, it can spread to humans and has already affected nearly 60 million birds in the US and 50 million in 36 European countries. The recent death of the girl in Cambodia and multiple others falling sick have raised concerns about sustained human-to-human transmission.
What is Bird Flu and How Does it Spread?
Bird flu is primarily transmitted by direct contact with sick birds and has affected nearly 870 people globally, with a high fatality rate of 30-50% if it does occur. However, public health officials were not particularly worried about the risk of human-to-human transmission until the recent Cambodian incident.
Risk of Bird Flu Mutating and Evolving
Bird flu could mutate and evolve into a threat to humans. Influenza viruses are incredibly changeable and can undergo shifts through reassortment. If avian influenza mutates, allowing for human-to-human transmission, it could lead to a new global pandemic.
Preparing for a Possible Bird Flu Pandemic
The world needs to prepare for the potential impact of a bird flu pandemic, which is already a nutritional, economic, and ecological crisis. The WHO has advised people not to touch dead or sick wild animals and for countries to strengthen their surveillance of settings where people and animals interact.
