California has declared a state of emergency over the spread of bird flu. What is the extent of the threat and the risks of transmission to humans? What about the situation in Belgium?
The governor of California has declared a state of emergency to combat the spread of the H5N1 virus, which causes avian flu. This epizootic, which mainly affects birds and poultry, has spread to certain mammals, notably more than 300 dairy cows.
While human contamination by the H5N1 virus is not unusual, the United States is observing an increase in cases. Around sixty people have been infected, including a man aged over 65 who is in serious condition. The virus is mainly transmitted by direct contact with sick animals.
For the moment, the virus is not transmitted from person to person. However, scientists remain vigilant against the risk of mutation which could make the virus more contagious and dangerous for humans.
Belgium under surveillance
In Belgium, no human contamination has been reported and the virus does not appear to be circulating on farms. However, preventive measures have been in place since the end of November, with the confinement of poultry and the ban on feeding them outdoors to avoid any contamination by migratory birds.
Belgian virologists are carefully following developments in the United States and are calling on the future American government not to neglect the threat of avian flu.
Avian flu virus H5N1 California state of emergency human contamination mutation Belgium poultry migratory birds
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