A group of leading global virologists has issued a warning about the risk of an H5N1 pandemic and is calling for urgent action to prevent its spread. The Global Virus Network (GVN), an international coalition of human and animal virologists, has published a comprehensive analysis in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas.
The analysis emphasizes the need for immediate and coordinated global action to strengthen disease surveillance, enforce biosecurity protocols, and prepare for the possibility of human-to-human transmission of the virus. Experts warn that recent genetic changes and the ability of H5N1 to infect both animals and humans make it a significant threat.
Since 2022, the highly pathogenic virus has spread to all 50 US states and Canada, resulting in the culling or death of over 168 million poultry birds. The GVN virologists highlight the need for improved pandemic preparedness, drawing on lessons learned from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and previous outbreaks.
To address this risk, the GVN recommends a multi-faceted approach to pandemic preparedness, including:
* Enhanced Surveillance: Continuous monitoring of animals, individuals working with infected animals, and farm workers
* Faster Genomic Data Sharing: Accelerating the release of genomic data to track virus evolution and spatial transmission
* Improved Farm Biosecurity: Using personal protective equipment (PPE) and strict farm cleaning protocols to minimize human exposure and prevent virus spread
* Investment in Phenotype Prediction from Genetic Data: Predicting the phenotypes of avian influenza viruses from genetic data
The GVN also emphasizes the need for international collaboration, community engagement, and trust-building to ensure the successful implementation of vaccines and monitoring programs.
Experts stress that a robust nationwide monitoring system is essential to quickly detect and quarantine affected animals and implement preventive measures. They also highlight the importance of maintaining public trust and stakeholder buy-in for monitoring programs, particularly from farm workers.
The GVN’s warning serves as a reminder of the ongoing risk of H5N1 and the need for continued vigilance and collaboration among public health sectors to prevent its spread.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/global-experts-sound-alarm-bird-flu-poses-rising-risk-to-humans