Spread of Bird Flu - Concern grows in Asia: more bird flu cases in humans
Experts are deeply concerned about the recent surge of Avian Flu cases in humans in Asia. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) calls for larger and cross-border efforts in the fight against Avian Flu.
After a long period with few human infections, there have already been 13 reported cases from Cambodia, as well as cases from China and Vietnam. The Regional Manager of the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in Southeast Asia speaks of a pandemic threat.
"The recent surge in outbreaks of Avian Flu is extremely alarming," said Kachen Wongsathapornchai. "Since the end of 2023, we have observed an increase in cases among humans and a spread of the virus to new animal species. The emergence of new A/H5N1 strains that are more easily transmissible increases the pandemic risk."
Global Spread
The H5N1 virus has spread globally. Wild and farm animals are affected. The FAO lists scavengers, marine mammals, flesh-eating domestic animals, livestock raised for their pelts, and ruminants like dairy cows as affected.
Outbreaks of Avian Flu in animals must be identified quickly and information shared with neighboring countries and regions, demands the FAO. More capacities for rapid diagnosis and bioinformatics need to be developed. Farmers must increase biosecurity, vaccination campaigns in poultry farms are necessary. In addition, people must be informed about the transmission risks.
No prolonged human-to-human transmission
So far, most infected people have been in close contact with animals. According to previous knowledge, there is no sustained human-to-human transmission. However, the concern is that the virus may continue to evolve and adapt in livestock.
- The recent surge of Avian Flu cases in humans in Asia has sparked significant concerns within the realm of global health science.
- The International community, including organizations like the FAO, are urging intensified efforts to combat Avian Flu, recognizing its potential for widespread disease in Asia.
- After a considerable lull in human infections, over a dozen cases have been reported in Cambodia, in addition to major outbreaks in China and Vietnam, contributing to the global Bird flu outbreak.
- The FAO's Regional Manager for Southeast Asia has warned of a pandemic threat, citing the alarming surge of Avian Flu outbreaks and the emergence of more transmissible A/H5N1 strains.
- The FAO emphasizes the urgent need to identify outbreaks of Avian Flu in animals and share this information across borders, in order to effectively contain the Bird flu disease in Asia.
- To further combat the spread, agricultural regions require enhanced capacities for rapid diagnosis and advanced bioinformatics as well as increased emphasis on animal biosecurity measures.
- Vaccination campaigns in poultry farms are pivotal, and the public must be informed about the transmission risks associated with Avian Flu, underscored by the FAO.
- Despite the majority of reported cases occurring in individuals with close contact with infected animals, the potential exists for the virus to evolve and adapt in livestock, posing a threat for sustained human-to-human transmission.
- With the H5N1 virus affecting wild and domestic animals across Asia, including Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam, the threat of Avian Flu remains a pressing concern for public health and international agencies like the FAO, with events in Bangkok being closely monitored for rankings and trends.
