Avian influenza H5N1: A growing Threat to global biodiversity
A review by Sergio A. Lambertucci, Andrea Santangeli, and Pablo I. Plazaon the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 to global biodiversity was published in Nature Reviews Biodiversity. The article addresses the emerging threat posed by the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) virus, which carries significant implications for global biodiversity. Since its initial detection in poultry and waterfowl, H5N1 has disseminated globally, resulting in severe outbreaks that have substantially diminished wildlife populations.
The authors delineate the critical situation regarding H5N1, describing its rapid proliferation across continents and its devastating effects on various wildlife species. They underscore the urgent necessity for enhanced surveillance, early diagnosis, and international collaboration to mitigate the impacts of this virus on wildlife and ecosystems.
The authors articulate a cautious yet open stance toward the vaccination of threatened species against avian influenza H5N1, recognizing that vaccination may serve as a viable short-term strategy to reduce further mortalities in critically endangered species, as demonstrated by the vaccination initiatives undertaken for California condors following H5N1-related fatalities. However, they also contend that vaccination is likely to be feasible only in specific circumstances and should not be regarded as a standalone solution.
