The head of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has urged countries to take immediate action to combat the ongoing surge of avian flu, citing unprecedented losses and impacts on food security, animal health, and economies. The FAO reports that four years of H5N1 outbreaks have led to a significant shift in its global spread, affecting large numbers of wild birds, poultry production, and human consumers.
A recent outbreak in New York City has raised concerns over the potential role of contaminated food and cat-to-cat transmission of the virus. Raw pet food company Savage Cat Food has recalled one lot of raw chicken food after H5N1 contamination was detected. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed new detections in poultry, cattle, and backyard farms across four states.
Scientists have reported new findings on the pathogenicity of the bovine strain of H5N1 and antiviral treatment strategies. A study published in Scientific Reports found that the bovine strain showed superior growth and rapid replication in human lung cells, while another study published in Nature Microbiology demonstrated improved outcomes with baloxavir treatment compared to oseltamivir.
The FAO has emphasized the need for increased surveillance, lab capacity, enhanced biosecurity practices, and strengthened outbreak response measures. Countries are advised to consider vaccination as a potential tool in combating the spread of H5N1.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/fao-urges-nations-ramp-actions-blunt-impact-h5n1-avian-flu