A new strain of bird flu has been detected in a California farm, causing concern among poultry farmers. The virus, known as highly pathogenic H5N9, is a rare variant that differs significantly from the more common H5N1 virus.
While H5N1 has caused several dozen human infections in the US, H5N9 poses a greater threat to birds due to its high virulence and aggressive nature. The new strain’s unique characteristics make it distinct from other bird flu viruses circulating in the country.
Unlike H5N1, which is typically transmitted through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated feed, H5N9 can also spread through the air. This increased transmission risk makes H5N9 a more potent threat to avian health and poses concerns for human safety as well.
Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/first-outbreak-of-highly-pathogenic-h5n9-reported-in-u-s-ducks