0
0
Geneva, December 22, 2024 – The global risk to public health from the H5N1 bird flu virus remains low, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In a recent joint assessment with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), experts reported that the risk of human infection is predominantly limited to those in close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
The findings, based on global data, indicate that human infections have been minimal despite a rise in cases. As of this year, 76 cases of H5N1 infection in humans have been documented, including 61 in the United States, primarily among farm workers. While animal-to-animal transmission of the virus persists, the overall impact on global public health has been insignificant.
Animal Transmission Raises Concerns
During a press briefing on December 17 in Geneva, WHO experts highlighted the virus’s potential to evolve. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s expert on emerging diseases, emphasized that while H5N1 remains primarily a poultry virus and there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission, its ability to adapt warrants careful monitoring.
The virus has also been linked to widespread outbreaks in wildlife and poultry in the U.S., with recent infections in dairy cattle reported across 15 states. Beyond poultry, H5N1 has affected over 500 bird species and 70 mammalian species, including endangered animals like California condors and polar bears, signaling serious ecological repercussions.
Economic and Food Security Impact
Madhur Dhingra, Senior Animal Health Officer at FAO, outlined the significant economic toll on the global poultry industry, a sector vital to food and nutrition security in many regions. The ongoing outbreaks have exposed vulnerabilities in preventive measures, particularly in areas lacking robust biosecurity protocols.
Call for Vigilance and Collaboration
Experts from WHO, FAO, and WOAH stress the importance of coordinated global efforts to mitigate the virus’s impact. The agencies have urged heightened surveillance, improved control measures, and proactive planning to manage risks effectively.
While the risk of human infection remains low, the agencies warn that sustained transmission among animals poses a potential threat. The situation underscores the need for continued research and vigilance to safeguard both public health and biodiversity from the evolving H5N1 virus.
