Scientists Warn of Bird Flu Pandemic Amid Surveillance Gaps

Scientists are increasingly concerned about a potential bird flu pandemic, citing gaps in surveillance that could delay an effective response. The H5N1 avian flu has spread from migratory birds to dairy herds and other mammals, raising fears of human transmissibility. Despite current low risk, experts emphasize the need for improved monitoring and rapid vaccine development to prevent a serious outbreak, according to Reuters.

The subtype of H5N1 avian flu has now affected 129 dairy herds across 12 US states. It has also been detected in alpacas and house cats, suggesting the virus could be inching closer to human-to-human transmission. In April, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the first human death from the H5N2 bird flu strain in Mexico. 

Andrew Pekosz, Influenza Expert, Johns Hopkins University, emphasized the risk posed by H5 viruses, noting their propensity to infect mammals. He warned that each spillover presents an opportunity for the virus to mutate and enhance its ability to infect humans. Similarly, Scott Hensley, Microbiology Professor, University of Pennsylvania, described the situation as a “pandemic unfolding in slow motion.” While the current threat remains low, Hensley cautioned that this could change rapidly. Therefore, effective early warning systems are crucial, reports Reuters.

A timely shift to vaccine development, widespread testing, and containment efforts could mitigate the risk. Ron Fouchier, Flu Virologist, Erasmus Medical Center, emphasized the need for comprehensive data on infected farms, including virus spread and duration of infectiousness. Jeanne Marrazzo, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, criticized the CDC’s surveillance network as too passive, however.

Experts suggest that the lack of coordination between animal and human health agencies might slow down the response. Gigi Gronvall, Senior Scholar, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, proposed that a unified agency would streamline efforts.

Historically, pandemics like H1N1 in 2009 began with animal spread and were better managed with improved surveillance. Recent cases of H5N1 have been reported in the United States, Mexico, India, China, and Australia.

Countries like the United States and European Union members are securing pre-pandemic flu vaccines for high-risk groups, including farm and lab workers. Meanwhile, Finland plans to vaccinate specific occupational groups against H5N1.