NEW YORK (AP) — Bird flu has been responsible for numerous deaths among wild and domestic birds worldwide over the past two years. It has also affected various other animals, such as seals, sea lions, mink, cats, dogs, skunks, foxes, and even a polar bear, but its impact on humans has been minimal.
Experts are puzzled by this discrepancy, with theories pointing to differences in how the virus infects various species. There are concerns about the potential for the virus to evolve and become more harmful to humans in the future.
While some researchers believe the current bird flu strain is unlikely to cause a global pandemic, U.S. health officials are taking precautions and preparing vaccines in case the situation changes. Despite limited human infections, there is no evidence of widespread transmission among people.
The H5N1 virus, first identified in birds in 1959, raised concerns after a severe outbreak in Hong Kong in 1997. Since then, it has caused hundreds of deaths globally, mostly through direct contact with infected birds.
Recent mutations in the virus have led to increased spread and severity in certain animal species. While some animals, like cats and foxes, have shown severe symptoms and deaths, others, like cows, have largely been unaffected. The virus’s ability to target specific tissues and receptors in different species is one factor contributing to these variations.
Human infections with the current bird flu strain have mostly resulted in mild symptoms, with only a few cases of severe illness reported. Researchers are monitoring the virus’s potential for further mutation and its ability to spread more easily among humans.
Pigs are considered a potential concern as they could serve as mixing vessels for the virus to combine with other flu strains, potentially creating a more dangerous virus. The scientific community is intensifying animal testing to better understand and prepare for potential future threats.
Public health experts continue to be vigilant about the unpredictable nature of influenza and the potential for a new deadly pandemic.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
