Avian flu outbreaks in mammals raise concern among experts

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have increased since 2021, the World Organization for Animal HEALTH notes. In 2022 alone, 7.6 thousand outbreaks of bird flu among domestic and wild birds were registered in 70 countries, according to ROSSELKHOZNADZOR . This harms bird populations and severe economic damage to poultry farmers, potentially jeopardizing food security in the world. However, experts are more concerned about the transmission of the virus to mammals.

Infection of animals with avian influenza can lead to the emergence of new strains of the virus that will be dangerous for mammals in general, and specifically for humans, experts at the WHO fear. Veterinarians are especially concerned about the spread of new strains on mink farms - infection of a large group of animals living in close proximity can aggravate the situation and lead to further virus mutations.

The OIE is currently conducting additional research on the virus and how it is transmitted, the organization said in a statement. OEIE member countries are asked to vigilantly monitor the observance of biological safety in enterprises.