by Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been a cause of growing concern in recent years due to its potential to cause a global pandemic. There have been a number of major outbreaks of bird flu infections in both domestic and wild birds across various parts of the world. While many of these outbreaks have been contained, experts fear that it is only a matter of time before a highly pathogenic strain mutates into a form that can easily spread between humans. In this article, we explore the various aspects of the ongoing threat posed by bird flu viruses globally.
Recent Outbreaks in Birds and Risk of Human Spread
There have been several major outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 Global Bird Flu in birds across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East in the past few years. The latest and one of the largest outbreaks occurred in early 2022 across Europe and Asia. Experts estimate that over 50 million birds, both domestic and wild, were either dead or culled due to the outbreak. While most human cases have resulted from direct contact with infected birds, the virus is constantly evolving and mutating. There is a real risk that it could acquire mutations facilitating efficient human-to-human transmission, which may then potentially trigger a global pandemic. As of now, the total number of confirmed human cases of H5N1 infection has crossed 900 with a death rate over 50%.
Lack of Surveillance and Monitoring in Some Regions
While developed countries have robust systems for bird flu surveillance, early detection and culling programs, the same cannot be said about many developing and underdeveloped regions. The lack of adequate surveillance, monitoring and response capabilities in some parts of Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe pose a risk of localized epidemics going unnoticed for longer periods. This allows the virus more time to mutate and potentially spread beyond borders before control measures can be implemented. International organizations have emphasized the need to strengthen capabilities and cooperation globally to tackle trans-boundary outbreaks.
Preparing for the Next Pandemic
Given the inevitability of more viral spillovers from animals to humans, international health agencies around the world are bolstering pandemic preparedness. Stockpiling of antiviral drugs and developing universal flu vaccines that offer cross-protection are amongst the key initiatives. At the same time, surveillance of animal reservoirs like birds, identifying hotspots and risk mapping allows for a proactive approach. Non-pharmaceutical interventions like social distancing, mask usage, improved hygiene will remain the mainstay until specific treatments or vaccines are available. Coordination between animal and human health sectors is also being strengthened to enable a ‘One Health’ approach against zoonotic diseases.
Role of Vaccine Research and Drug Development
Significant progress has been made on the vaccine front with the development of quadrivalent and universal flu vaccines that offer cross-protection against multiple strains. Clinical trials are underway to assess their efficacy. Production capacities are also being scaled up across nations. On the antiviral front, research into next-generation drugs continues. Peramivir for instance received approvals for treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis recently. With adequate stockpiling, such drugs can help buy time to develop and deploy strain-specific vaccines during an emerging pandemic. Overall, pandemic preparedness hinges on having robust surveillance systems, research capabilities as well as adequate local, national and international coordination mechanisms.
Addressing Underlying Risk Drivers
Underlying risk factors that bring humans and disease-carrying animals into closer contact also need to be addressed as part of a holistic strategy. Issues like intensive farming practices, live bird markets, deforestation, wildlife trade serve as mixing vessels for generating novel viruses. Sustainable animal husbandry methods, wildlife conservation efforts as well strengthened biosecurity protocols can help curtail animal to human spillovers. At the same time, governmental policies and interventions are required to find a balance between biodiversity protection, disease control and local livelihood considerations. International organisations are collaborating with stakeholders across sectors for a ‘One Health’ approach against future pandemic threats at the human-animal-environment interface.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
