US News
Published March 9, 2024, 4:25 p.m. ET
Fears of Humans Catching Avian Flu Heighten as Virus Spreads to Mammals
Fears have intensified over the potential transmission of avian flu to humans following confirmed cases of the virus in various mammals, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Instances of bird flu infections in mammals have emerged in three states. In Washington, three striped skunks have tested positive for the virus. In Montana, a mountain lion was found to have contracted the virus, and in Kentucky, a raccoon tested positive, corroborated by the USDA.
Avian flu, which has been prevalent among poultry and wild birds for several decades, currently affects over 82 million animals across 48 states.
Concerns are mounting as the avian flu spreads to mammals, despite the current low risk of transmission to humans. “I think it’s quite likely,” voiced Dr. Chris Walzer of the Wildlife Conservation Society, in an interview with CBS News. “This avian influenza outbreak has been one of the largest threats to wildlife globally. We just can’t wait for it to hit human populations.”
Dr. Walzer advocates for improved disease tracking to mitigate the potential risks to humans, as the virus acquires “new traits that could create a problem for us humans.”
Scientists around the world are now being urged to closely monitor the spread of avian flu, as reported by CBS News.
A recent study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases indicates that bird flu has also been found in marine animals in South America. Genomic testing has revealed nearly identical samples of the virus in four sea lions and a seal, as reported by the Wildlife Society.
Since 2022, H5N1, the avian flu virus, has resulted in the deaths of at least 600,000 wild birds and 50,000 mammals in Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
Moreover, the enormous impact of the virus on the US egg market cannot be overlooked. California’s significant poultry industry has been severely affected, triggering a spike in egg prices. An entire flock of 550,000 hens at Sunrise Farms in Sonoma County had to be slaughtered to comply with government regulations.
The urgency to address the potential threat of avian flu to humans has amplified in light of recent developments. Ensuring sufficient precautions, risk assessment, and constant surveillance are essential in safeguarding the human population from this concerning virus.
