The Global Virus Network says that the H5N1 avian influenza, or bird flu, is posing a rising risk to human beings. GVN is an international coalition of leading human and animal virologists spanning more than 80 Centers of Excellence and Affiliates in over 40 countries. The network has published a detailed analysis and urgent call-to-action in The Lancet Regional Health – America.

“Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response,” said Sten H. Vermund, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of the GVN and dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida. “The virus’s ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures.”

Since 2022, the highly pathogenic virus has spread to all 50 U.S. states and Canada, resulting in the culling or death of more than 168 million poultry birds. Although human-to-human transmission has not been documented, experts caution that genetic mutations or reassortments, when different flu strains combine, could elevate the risk of transmissibility among humans, according to reports by SciTechDaily. 

“Genomic surveillance is pivotal in tracking viral evolution and informing response strategies,” said Marion Koopmans, DVM, PhD, center of excellence director at the GVN and head of the department of viroscience at Erasmus Medical Center, Netherlands.  “Continued investment in surveillance at the human-animal interface, and immediate sharing of unusual field observations and sequence data, is essential for researchers worldwide to monitor virus dynamics effectively.”

Virologists have claimed that the bird flu outbreak underscores the need for improved pandemic preparedness. They seek to draw upon the lessons learned from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and previous outbreaks. They advocate for a multi-faceted approach to pandemic preparedness, including improved mass surveillance and investments in rapid vaccine development.

Do you think these preparations will work? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments! Let’s discuss!