COVID-19 is not the only viral threat facing the world. A new threat has slowly gained steam with another significant viral threat – avian flu, specifically the H5N1 strain. This virus has not only impacted domesticated birds. It has spread its reach to wild species, and scientists are increasingly concerned about its implications.
Avian Flu’s Wider Impact
Recent research has revealed that the avian flu, particularly H5N1, has become one of history’s most devastating disease outbreaks.
It has affected domesticated birds and hundreds of species across five continents.
Panzootic
The widespread effects of this outbreak qualify it as a “panzootic” – a pandemic among animals.
Unlike previous outbreaks that primarily affected domesticated birds, this time, it’s different.
Uncharted Territory
Andrew Ramey, a wildlife geneticist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), puts it, “What we’re seeing right now is uncharted territory.”
This avian flu strain has extended its reach to wild species and even mammals, causing unprecedented deaths in the animal kingdom.
The Concern
The current avian flu outbreak emerged in North America in the winter of 2021, leading to the death of over half a billion birds worldwide.
Tough to Track
Tracking the outbreak’s impact on wild birds has been challenging due to limited resources for testing.
Danger for the Endangered
The outbreak adds to the existing challenges faced by endangered and small bird populations, further hindering desperate conservation efforts.
Potential Threat to Humans
Scientists are also wary of the avian flu’s potential impact on humans, as the virus has shown significant evolutionary potential.
While it may not currently pose a pandemic threat, there is concern that it could mutate and potentially infect humans in the future.
Combating Avian Flu
Efforts are underway to track the spread of avian flu more diligently across the globe and to sample regions where the virus may be present.
This surveillance aims to provide poultry farmers with early warnings, enabling them to implement appropriate biosecurity measures.
Citizen Engagement
Birders and naturalists are also contributing to tracking the virus’s spread. Citizen science programs like iNaturalist allow individuals to report dead birds, and this information is shared with relevant organizations.
Industry Adaptation
One of the critical questions is how the poultry industry will adapt to the virus and persistent biosecurity threats in the coming years, as overpopulated and compact chicken farm operations contribute to the uncontrollable spread of viruses.
The True Cause
Experts suggest that increased demand for meat and eggs, coupled with unsustainable poultry production, might cause this outbreak.
Expert Weighs In
On the source of the disease, Nichola Hill, an infectious disease ecologist at the University of Massachusetts Boston, told Vox, “It’s useful to remember that wild birds are the victims here,” and “They spread HPAI but are not the original source. My motto has become: Bird flu sucks, blame chicken nuggets.”
Public Response
While the disease primarily affects birds, many readers can’t help but draw comparisons to the COVID-19 pandemic and fear this outbreak may lead down a similar path.
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The post A New Strain of Avian Flu Is Ravaging the Planet…and Scientists Are More Worried Now Than Ever first appeared on Career Step Up
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Source: MSN
