Experts Warn of Rapidly Evolving Virus and Increasing Cases in Mammals
Global experts in the field of virology and public health are urging countries to prioritize the vaccination of their poultry populations as a crucial measure to contain the spread of avian influenza. The virus, which has undergone a significant transformation since mid-2021, is now more infectious, leading to year-round outbreaks and expanding into new regions.
The World Health Organization’s Richard Webby, a renowned researcher at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, USA, describes the current wave of avian influenza as the most severe outbreak the world has witnessed. Recent studies published in the journal Nature Communications have confirmed that the virus has rapidly evolved during its spread from Europe to North America.
Researchers have observed an increase in the virulence of the virus upon its arrival in North America, resulting in more severe disease in affected birds. A ferret experiment conducted by scientists revealed a higher level of disease severity compared to previous strains, as a significant amount of the virus was detected in the ferret’s brain.
Although the risk to humans remains relatively low, Webby warns that the virus is not static and continues to undergo changes. There is a potential for the virus to acquire genetic traits that could make it more transmissible to humans, although such widespread transmission has not yet occurred.
While human cases of avian influenza are rare and primarily occur through close contact with infected birds, experts express concern over the increasing number of mammal infections. Recent incidents, such as the deaths of nearly 9,000 sea lions, penguins, otters, porpoises, and dolphins along Chile’s north coast, indicate a troubling trend.
Webby highlights the worrisome indications from a Spanish mink farm and sea lions off the South American coast, suggesting the potential transmission of the virus between mammals.
Ian Brown, head of virology at the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency, acknowledges that the virus is becoming more effective and efficient in birds. However, he emphasizes that the avian virus still lacks adaptation for human transmission, as it binds to different receptors on host cells compared to human viruses. Nevertheless, slight genetic changes could potentially enable the virus to infect humans.
To mitigate the risk to humans and reduce the number of avian influenza cases, experts strongly recommend the widespread vaccination of poultry. Countries such as China, Egypt, and Vietnam have already launched successful poultry vaccination campaigns. However, challenges related to import restrictions and the possibility of vaccinated birds still contracting the virus hinder the implementation of vaccination programs in some countries.
Experts emphasize that while poultry vaccination is not a foolproof solution due to the virus’s evolving nature, countries that have been hesitant to adopt vaccination strategies should reconsider. The global community recognizes the looming threat of a potential pandemic and the need for proactive measures to prevent its outbreak.
Monique Eloit, the Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health, emphasizes the importance of considering poultry vaccination as a viable option. Acknowledging the possibility of pandemics becoming realities rather than mere fantasies, countries must prioritize protective measures to safeguard the health of both animals and humans.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the expert opinions and research .