Alarming Surge in Bird Flu Cases Among Mammals

PARIS: There's a rising threat lurking in the shadows as global outbreaks of bird flu in mammals have more than doubled over the past year—an alarming trend that significantly heightens the risk of human infection, warns the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The report released on May 23 paints a grim picture of an unprecedented public health challenge.

The Ripple Effects on Agriculture and Human Health

Avian influenza has wreaked havoc worldwide in recent years, leading to mass culling of poultry and an alarming spike in egg prices. The deaths of several individuals who came into contact with infected animals further underline the danger of the situation.

Despite the current low risk of human infection, instances of bird flu in mammals such as cattle, dogs, and cats have raised eyebrows among health officials. The total number of mammal outbreaks has surged to a staggering 1,022 across 55 countries, up from 459 the previous year.

A Call for Urgent Action

Emmanuelle Soubeyran, head of WOAH, highlighted the concerning shift in the virus's epidemiology, stating, "This is a shift in the pattern of the epidemiology of the virus." Experts are keenly aware of the potential pandemic threat posed by avian influenza, especially as mutations become more frequent.

The urgency for action is underscored by budget cuts to US health agencies, which have hindered epidemiological monitoring—an essential line of defense against emerging diseases.

A Imperative for Global Response

The report brandishes the bird flu as more than just an animal health crisis; it’s now a 'global emergency' jeopardizing agriculture, food security, and ecosystems. Over the past two decades, a staggering 630 million birds have died or been culled due to this virus.

Vaccination: A Ray of Hope?

Fortunately, the report also emphasizes the crucial role of vaccination in curbing outbreaks among birds, which subsequently mitigates risks to mammals and humans. In France, for instance, poultry vaccinations implemented in 2023 led to a drastic reduction in outbreaks—from an estimated 700 to only 10.

However, Soubeyran cautions that vaccines aren't a panacea and calls for an integrated approach involving biosecurity, surveillance, and global collaboration.

Human Fatalities and the Rising Threat of Disease

As a grim reminder of the threat, Mexico recently reported its first human death from bird flu—tragically involving a three-year-old girl. The US and Cambodia also recorded human fatalities this year, as nearly 50% of bird flu infections historically have proven fatal.

The Bigger Picture: Climate Change and Emerging Diseases

Moreover, the WOAH alarmingly notes that as climate change pushes animal species into new territories, the potential for zoonotic diseases—those jumping from animals to humans—increases. Approximately 70% of emerging diseases reported to WOAH over the past 20 years are suspected to threaten human health.

On a slightly brighter note, antibiotic use in animals has decreased by 5% between 2020 and 2022, with Europe witnessing a 23% drop, suggesting a pivotal shift that could benefit global health and food security.