Recent warnings from top virologists highlight the escalating threat posed by the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which has rapidly spread across U.S. dairy farms, leading to over 1,000 infected herds and numerous human cases . Experts, including Dr. Marc Johnson, express grave concerns about the virus's potential to mutate and facilitate human-to-human transmission. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently assesses the public risk as low, specialists from the Global Virus Network (GVN) advocate for heightened surveillance and proactive measures to mitigate this emerging threat .
“In the U.S. sporadic human infections with no known contact with infected animals highlight the possibility of viral adaptation for efficient human-to-human transmission,” Global Virus Network (GVN) scientists write in a commentary published this week in The Lancet Regional Health–Americas. “Concurrently, the virus continues to circulate in wild birds, backyard flocks, and hunted migratory species, further amplifying the risk to humans and domestic animals.”
The experts compel leaders to address the issue by boosting surveillance, enhancing biosecurity, and preparing for potential human-to-human viral transmission.
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture said 59 herds in four counties are in quarantine. Most are in Gooding (34 herds) and Jerome (17) counties, but there are also a few in Twin Falls (7) and Cassia (1) counties. All are located near each other in the far south-central part of the state.
Despite the outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the risk to the general public remains low. However, they stress the importance of precautions, especially for those in close contact with infected animals.
According to CDC, H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and US dairy cows with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.
In light of these complexities, it is imperative that world leaders take decisive action now. Enhanced coordination among nations is essential for effective surveillance systems and equitable access to vaccines for farmworkers and vulnerable populations. By adopting a proactive approach informed by both scientific insights and social justice conRecent warnings from top virologists highlight the escalating threat posed by the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which has rapidly spread across U.S. dairy farms, leading to over 1,000 infected herds and numerous human cases . Experts, including Dr. Marc Johnson, express grave concerns about the virus's potential to mutate and facilitate human-to-human transmission. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently assesses the public risk as low, specialists from the Global Virus Network (GVN) advocate for heightened surveillance and proactive measures to mitigate this emerging threat .
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