Anxiety prevails in Hellenic Society of Infections for bird flu.

In May 2024, they were registered in the USA 58 cases of bird flu in cows and 2 animal farm workers were infected from them. In addition, non-infectious H5N1 virus residues were found in a sample of commercially sold cow’s milk.

“We are concerned because of the ability of the virus to mutate, so new strains appear, some of which acquire the ability to infect mammals, including man. The big concern is that the virus will mutate even more, so that it can be easily transmitted between people,” says the Hellenic Society of Infections, which published nine questions and answers about the disease.

The nine questions and answers about bird flu:

What is bird flu (Avian flu)?

Bird flu is caused by the H5N1 strain of the flu virus, which mainly affects birds. Wild birds, especially waterfowl, which are usually asymptomatic, are a reservoir for all types of avian influenza viruses, thus playing an important role in their evolution, maintenance and spread. Avian influenza viruses can mutate into highly pathogenic viruses, which are highly contagious and can cause high mortality in wild birds. Domestic poultry (e.g. chickens) are usually infected by direct contact with wild birds and indirectly through contaminated materials.

Why are we worried about bird flu?

We are concerned about the economic consequences for the food industry, because large numbers of poultry are killed and incinerated after confirmed cases. But we are mainly concerned because of the ability of the virus to mutate, so new strains appear, some of which acquire the ability to infect mammals, including humans. The big concern is that the virus will mutate even more, gain the ability to spread very easily between people, and therefore pose a potential threat to cause the next pandemic.

have there been cases of human infection with bird flu after contact with animals?

Although bird flu usually affects birds, mammals such as pigs, seals, wild boars, and foxes have been sporadically found infected with these viruses. In May 2024, there were 58 cases of bird flu in cows in the US, and 2 farm workers were infected. The spread of the virus from wild birds to cows is estimated to have happened a year ago. In addition, non-infectious H5N1 virus residues were found

in sampling commercially sold cow’s milk. These data mean that the virus adapted to mammals and acquired the ability to be easily transmitted between cows. The danger for the future is that it evolves even further so that it is easily transmitted between humans. So far, there have been no deaths or outbreaks in the US outbreak, meaning the virus has not yet mutated enough to cause an outbreak in humans.

Where is bird flu (usually) found?

Bird flu occurs worldwide, with different strains more prevalent in certain areas of the world. Some of the bird flu viruses circulate in poultry in Asia, while others have spread globally through wild bird migrations.

How is avian influenza introduced and spread in poultry in the European Union?

It is mainly introduced through migratory wild birds, such as wild geese. Infection of wild birds is seasonal, with the zenith in young birds in autumn. Wild birds carry the viruses along migration routes and shed them, contaminating the environment. In winter, as wild bird movements increase and temperatures make it easier for these viruses to survive, exposure to poultry increases. In addition, indirect contact with contaminated farm equipment can also contribute to poultry infection. For these reasons poultry houses must be covered and mixing of chickens with wild migratory ducks and geese should be prevented.

Is the bird flu virus a danger to humans?

Most avian influenza virus strains are relatively harmless to their natural wild bird hosts and do not infect humans. Although most avian influenza viruses primarily infect only birds, some variants can develop mutations that increase their ability to infect other species such as humans. People in close contact with infected animals are at risk of becoming infected with avian influenza viruses.

Can I get bird flu from handling sick or dead birds?

The risk of avian influenza virus transmission from wild birds to the general public is low. Most cases of human infection with avian influenza viruses involved very close direct contact with sick poultry. In order to minimize the risk of contracting avian influenza virus from wild birds, people should avoid touching sick or dead wild birds with their bare hands.

Is there a treatment for humans in case of avian influenza virus infection?

People with suspected or confirmed such infection are advised to be treated as soon as possible with approved antiviral drugs for the treatment of seasonal influenza and usual supportive care.

Is it safe to eat poultry products if bird flu has been detected in the area?

Yes, poultry and poultry products placed on the market in the European Union can be prepared and consumed as usual, following good hygiene practices and proper cooking.