The highly transmissible bird flu virus has infected over 138 million birds across the US and spread to millions more on five continents, posing an unprecedented threat to biodiversity worldwide. As the virus continues to evolve and jump species, wildlife experts warn of a potential cross-species pandemic.
The H5N1 bird flu virus has reached “existential threat” status for global biodiversity, with over 500 species infected and widespread losses in bird populations. The US is particularly affected, with Georgia confirming its first outbreak and major egg producers like Rose Acre Farms reporting cases. Consumers are already feeling the impact, with vacant shelves and escalating prices for eggs.
The virus’s ability to jump species has raised concerns about its potential spread to mammals, including humans. While the risk remains low, health officials are monitoring the situation closely due to the virus’s potential to mutate and acquire human-to-human transmission.
“The bird flu outbreak is the worst globally and also in US history,” said Chris Walzer, a wildlife conservation expert. “H5N1 now presents an existential threat to the world’s biodiversity.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health agencies are tracking the situation closely, with researchers warning of the potential for the virus to mutate and spread efficiently between humans.
As the bird flu outbreak continues to evolve, it is causing billions of dollars in losses worldwide. The impact on ecosystems and food chains is already being felt, with endangered species and entire food chains affected.
The US is taking measures to prevent further spread, including implementing bans on poultry exhibits and sales of live birds. However, the situation remains dire, and experts warn that nobody wants to see what a full-blown pandemic might look like.
Source: https://health.wusf.usf.edu/health-news-florida/2025-01-31/h5n1-bird-flu-existential-threat-biodiversity-worldwide