Health

New bird flu strain detected on poultry farm as experts monitor mutations

A new strain of bird flu, known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N9, has been identified on a duck farm in California. This outbreak was reported earlier this week by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on its website. In addition to the H5N9 strain, the more common H5N1 strain was also found on the same farm in Merced County.

According to WOAH, this is the first confirmed case of HPAI H5N9 in poultry in the United States. Health agencies are currently conducting comprehensive epidemiological investigations and enhanced surveillance to monitor and contain the outbreak.

David J. Cennimo, an associate professor of medicine and pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, highlighted the adaptability of influenza viruses, stating that birds are highly susceptible to avian influenza. While some strains of the virus may cause mild illness in birds, others can be deadly. The ducks on the California farm were experiencing severe illness, prompting genetic testing that revealed the H5N9 strain as a reassortment, a process in which influenza viruses swap gene segments.

Influenza viruses are named based on their hemagglutinin and neuraminidase surface proteins, denoted as Hs and Ns. Cennimo explained that there are continual mutations of flu strains, necessitating annual updates to flu vaccines. With H5N9, the virus appears to have acquired an N9 from another virus, potentially through simultaneous infections in the same animal.

Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, emphasized that birds serve as a reservoir for various influenza viruses that typically do not infect humans. However, these viruses can mutate and adapt to infect humans, leading to global pandemics. Large outbreaks of bird flu in poultry farms pose a significant risk of mutations that could potentially infect mammals, including humans.

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While there have been 67 confirmed cases of human bird flu in the U.S. and one death, experts are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further spread of the virus. It is crucial to stay vigilant and implement necessary measures to protect both poultry and human populations from the potential risks associated with HPAI H5N9.

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