With the resurgence of avian flu, it is becoming essential to understand the risks associated with the H5N1 virus. Pandemic experts tell us what should alert us!
In recent months, the H5N1 avian flu has resurfaced, hitting the agricultural sector hard. A well-known virus in the animal world, it is once again in the news due to its rapid spread, affecting both farms and wildlife. In the United States, the economic repercussions are already significant, with millions of birds slaughtered to contain its progression. But beyond the visible damage, it is its evolution that worries specialists.
“Today, my biggest fear is for people who we know are directly exposed to this virus “, explains Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University, at HuffPost. If, for the moment, human cases remain rare, the potential consequences of a possible mutation are of concern.
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What worries experts
Although traditionally limited to certain animal species, H5N1 avian influenza has a worrying capacity to evolve rapidly. According to Meghan Davis, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, ” Influenza viruses are known for their ability to evolve. They can change over time, reassort with each other, and undergo much larger changes relatively quickly “. If this virus were to exchange genes with seasonal flu, the result could be catastrophic. This process, called genetic reassortment, could make the virus not only more contagious, but also more virulent for humans.
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This ability to adapt is another source of concern, particularly en regarding infection of domestic animalsspecifies the environmental health expert. “We’re talking about millions of lost birds.”she emphasizes, adding that “the virus can infect mice, which is also a major concern “. Such diversity in the hosts could increase transmission opportunities.
Measures to anticipate future pandemics
Beyond this aspect, experts insist on the importance of not underestimating the beginnings of a pandemic. “There will be other pandemics in the future. We must try to prevent them… sounding the alarm now with H5N1 is an attempt to do just that “, says Jennifer Nuzzo. This preparation involves better monitoring of livestock farming and strict regulation of products such as raw milkidentified as a potential vector of contamination.
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Furthermore, other factors must be taken into account, such as climate change, deforestation, intensive livestock farming and their effects on the spread of pathogens. “We are trying to convince the government to do more to fight this virus so that it does not become a problem for the general public “, they insist. Indeed, they recall that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of a rapid reaction. “No one wants to experience another pandemic. We are therefore sounding the alarm in order to implement changes in policies and practices that could improve the safety of all. “
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