Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Concerns are mounting over the spread of bird flu, scientifically known as H5N1, as researchers and authorities brace for potential pandemic scenarios, according to a report by The Metro.
Dr. Diana Bell, a conservation biology professor at the University of East Anglia, warns that another pandemic may already be underway, drawing attention to the rapid spread of bird flu since 2020.
Originating in domestic geese in China in 1997, bird flu has now spread across continents, affecting a wide range of non-avian species besides birds.
Recent research highlighted by Dr. Bell reveals that bird flu has affected numerous mammal species in 26 countries since 2020, including polar bears and dolphins, leading to alarming death rates.
The virus has also infected humans, with 882 reported cases across 23 countries in the previous year, raising concerns due to a high fatality rate of 52%.
Bird flu and Covid-19 share similarities in their origins, both believed to have originated from zoonotic spillover events where viruses jump from animals to humans.
While human-to-human transmission of bird flu remains limited, the World Health Organisation considers it a significant pandemic threat, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness.
Dr. Bell underscores the urgent need for research and surveillance to understand the virus's adaptability and potential to infect more species, highlighting the importance of proactive measures.
Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of bird flu on bird populations globally, with calls for a global overhaul of poultry farming practices to prevent future outbreaks and safeguard both animal and human health.