Is Bird Flu a Game of Roulette?
04 May, 2024
In the current outbreak, avian influenza is widely affecting commercial poultry, wild birds, and even mammals, yet it has not had a significant impact on humans thus far. However, in the last few weeks, the virus has been diagnosed in dairy cows in the US. Currently, there are at least 34 dairy herds affected in 9 different states across the country. Only one person has been infected following contact with sick cows. Nevertheless, there is concern that the H5N1 virus may spread more extensively among the human population. The response of the US health systems to this event, which began at the start of 2022 and has now reached extensive proportions, is deeply concerning.
It seems as if someone is playing roulette with public health. The fear of a pandemic originating from the bird flu virus has persisted for many years. Since the early 2000s, when the virus first began spreading widely in Southeast Asia, there have been concerns about a potential pandemic, though thankfully it has not materialized yet. However, the developments of the last two years are cause for serious concern. The virus is now being diagnosed in mammal populations such as minks, marine mammals, and dairy cattle, with clear signs of virus transmission between them. How exactly does the virus pass from cow to cow? One estimate suggests transmission may occur through milking machines, but there have also been virus isolations from the lung tissue of sick cows, raising the possibility of respiratory transmission as well.
Scientists are grappling with a multitude of questions, and despite their efforts, it's uncertain whether the explanations they provide today will remain consistent in the months to come. Currently, assessments from health systems indicate that the risk to humans is low, but this situation could change rapidly. In such an event, questions will arise regarding whether the veterinary systems acted appropriately in preventing the uncontrolled spread and evolution of the avian influenza virus through the controlled use of vaccines. Regardless of whether the virus spreads widely to humans, the failure of the US veterinary system is evident. The inability to effectively control the virus over a period of more than two years, resulting in extensive damage to domesticated and wild animals, is undoubtedly a testament to inadequacy. All of this is occurring in the USA, a country renowned for its advancements in science, medicine, and research - not in a developing nation.
Nati Elkin
