Latest news with #H5N1AvianInfluenza
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Another global pandemic fears rise as H5N1 bird flu spreads across US farms
Global Virus Network and other officials are raising alarms as the H5N1 avian influenza virus continues to spread rapidly across dairy farms in the United States. Since March 2024, the virus has affected over 1,000 dairy herds, raising serious public health concerns, especially due to its ability to infect mammals, including humans. Another pandemic warning from experts To date, over 70 human infections have been reported in the country, and at least one fatality has been confirmed. The death occurred in January 2025 in Louisiana, where a 65-year-old man, who had pre-existing medical conditions, succumbed to the virus after being hospitalised for severe respiratory symptoms. Health officials confirmed that he had direct contact with sick and dead birds from a backyard flock. A Terrifying CDC Health Warning Press Release Has Been Issued, As "H5N1 Avian Influenza", The New Bird Flu Virus, is Spreading All Across The United States Outbreak is Spreading Across Chicken & Cow Farm Food Products, Effecting Both Farm Workers & Final Consumers... Global Virus Network calls it a serious risk According to the Global Virus Network (GVN), the continued presence of H5N1 in mammals presents a serious risk. The organisation has stressed the importance of proactive monitoring, vaccination programmes for farmworkers and livestock, and robust testing measures. They have highlighted that if the virus mutates further, it could potentially develop the capacity for human-to-human transmission, increasing the risk of a pandemic. Bird flu, or H5N1, now infects over 40 different mammalian species, a dramatic rise from just a few years ago, increasing opportunities for the virus to mutate and become more transmissible or lethal to more from @CSISHealth: Coordination between veterinary and human health sectors is crucial to control its spread Dr Sten H. Vermund, Dean of the USF Health College of Public Health, said that understanding the evolving pattern of H5N1 infections is vital for implementing effective preventive measures. He added that coordination between veterinary and human health sectors is crucial in controlling its spread. Dr Marc Johnson, a virologist at the University of Missouri, noted that while the virus may not necessarily cause a global outbreak, it is showing patterns that warrant serious attention. He expressed concern over the many opportunities the virus has had to adapt. Currently, the health risk is low The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has clarified that the current public health risk remains low. However, they urge people who have close contact with animals—particularly poultry and cattle—to follow precautionary guidelines. The CDC continues to monitor the virus's activity in both animals and humans through its national surveillance systems. While the situation remains under control, experts agree that continued vigilance, improved communication, and readiness are essential to preventing a potential escalation.
BBC News
02-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Devizes: Warning to dog walkers as bird flu found in dead gull
A warning has been issued after a confirmed case of bird flu was found in a wild herring gull. Devizes Town Council has urged dog owners to take care after the bird was found dead in the town with H5N1 Avian Influenza as part of ongoing surveillance work. In a post on social media a spokesperson for the local authority confirmed Wiltshire Council had been notified of the finding by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). The public have been told to avoid touching dead or sick wild birds, their feathers, or surfaces contaminated by bird droppings. Dog owners should keep their pets on leads and use footpaths, the APHA said, with people who keep poultry or other birds advised to wash their hands and disinfect footwear after Health Security Agency has said the risk to public health is very low. A spokesperson for Devizes Town Council said: "We will continue to monitor the situation and keep the public informed of any developments." What is bird flu? Bird flu is a disease caused by a virus that infects birds, with other animals such as foxes, seals and otters also sometimes major strain - circulating among wild birds worldwide - is a type of the virus known as migration has led to outbreaks in domestic and wild birds and has, in extremely rare cases, infected humans. Scientists say the current risk to humans is low. Transmission from birds to humans is rare and there has been no sustained human-to-human transmission.
