The strains multiply, the circulation continues. The fight against avian influenza made it possible to avoid the pandemic. But efforts must continue.
The feared pandemic did not take place. But bird flu continues to circulate widely on the planet. THE’World Organization for Animal Health (OiE) reminds that the fight against this virus must not be relaxed. Because the last few years have seen the emergence of new strains, some of which are very virulent.
“The recent upsurge in disease outbreaks detected around the world reaffirms the need for better application of intergovernmental standards”, underlines the OiE. In fact, in the space of two years, two new strains of avian flu have been identified. The older forms, they continued their progression on the planet.
In 2013, the low virulent strain H7N9 surprised by the speed of its transmission to humans. In China, where it first appeared, thousands of poultry are regularly slaughtered for prevention.
Old viruses continue to circulate
But it is another strain that worries the OiE: 5HN8. Extremely pathogenic, it has also appeared in Asia (Korea, China). It has not yet transmitted to humans. But in the event of a mutation, it could prove to be very dangerous. It has spread with impressive speed through wild animals. India, Europe, Canada and the United States are affected.
In addition to these new strains, the older forms continue to circulate. In the United States, 30 million poultry have been infected with H5N2 avian influenza, without transmission to humans. H5N1 outbreaks are endemic in Egypt and have just appeared in Israel and Palestine.
The OiE therefore recalls the importance of respecting the biosecurity measures implemented: surveillance and early detection of diseases in particular. It calls on the collaboration of the Veterinary Services of the member countries.
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