Health experts have issued stark warnings that the United States is facing another pandemic as bird flu spreads uncontrollably across the country. The H5N1 outbreak has now affected nearly 1,000 dairy cow herds nationwide and resulted in more than 70 human infections. The virus has claimed its first confirmed human death in the US, with a person in Louisiana succumbing to the illness in January.
Experts from the Global Virus Network (GVN) warn that the US poultry industry faces significant risk, particularly in areas with high-density farming. Countries must prepare for the possibility of human-to-human spread to avoid chaos reminiscent of the early COVID-19 pandemic Getty Since 2022, more than 168 million poultry in America have been lost or culled due to the outbreak. This devastating toll has caused egg prices to skyrocket across the country.
The virus has now been detected in all 50 states, with infections recorded in various animal populations beyond cattle and poultry. Cases have been sporadically found in pigs, raising concerns among researchers as these animals can catch both human and bird strains of flu. More than 400 non-bird wild animals in the US have been infected since May 2022, including red foxes, skunks, seals and raccoons.
Experts believe these animals may contract the virus after feeding on carcasses of birds that died from bird flu. HEALTH LATEST: Dementia warning: New research suggests ignoring changes in eye health increases risk of disease The exact number of minutes to exercise every week to add up to 5 years to your life Ultra-processed foods responsible for 18,000 yearly UK deaths – popular snacks increasing your risk Many experts consider H5N1 a top pandemic threat due to its widespread presence among animals and rapid mutations GETTY Wastewater surveillance has detected traces of the virus in 60 of more than 250 monitored sites across the country. In California and Iowa, over 80 percent of samples have tested positive for the virus.
Although human-to-human transmission has not yet been observed, experts caution that mutations could raise the risk of it occurring. The GVN is urging world governments to confront the H5N1 threat by strengthening surveillance and enforcing stricter biosecurity protocols. Countries must prepare for the possibility of human-to-human spread to avoid chaos reminiscent of the early COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Peter Palese, a GVN director and world leader in influenza research, explains: "Initiatives should focus on enhancing biosecurity measures in agricultural settings and educating the public about safe handling of poultry products and potential risks associated with contact with infected animals." Many experts consider H5N1 a top pandemic threat due to its widespread presence among animals and rapid mutations. Since 2022, more than 168 million poultry in America have been lost or culled due to the outbreak Getty
