A first case of H5N9 avian flu has been confirmed in a poultry farm in the United States. Experts fear a mutation facilitating the transmission between humans, although the risk of pandemic remains “low”.
- A new avian influenza strain, the H5N9, has been detected in California. This case led to euthanasia of 119,000 poultry. If the H5N9 is a first in the United States, the H5N1 strain aviaire flu is already largely circulating on the territory.
- The withdrawal of the United States of the WHO, decided by Trump, worries the international community because it could complicate cooperation in the surveillance of avian flu.
- Experts fear a mutation facilitating the transmission between humans, although the risk remains low.
An unprecedented strain of avian influenza, the H5N9, was detected in the United States, raising fears of a risk of pandemic. “The presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (IAHP) H5N9 from the Eurasian line Goose/Guangdong […] and H5N1 IAHP […] has been confirmed in a commercial duck farm in Merced, California “county”said the World Animal Health Organization (OMSA), relayed by various media.
119,000 euthanized poultry
According to the OMSA report, the case was confirmed on January 13, but its origin remains unknown. The 119,000 poultry of the affected breeding were euthanized to limit the spread of the virus. In response, “The health inspection service for animal and plants (APHIS) of the US Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with animal health and wildlife officials of states, conducts in -depth epidemiological surveys and reinforced monitoring”specifies the report.
If the H5N9 is a first in the United States, the H5N1 strain avian flu is already largely circulating on the territory, which strengthens fears of a potential mutation facilitating transmission between humans. In early January, the country identified a first human death linked to the H5N1, a man over 65 exposed to infected birds. However, no interhuman spread has been observed, reassures the World Health Organization (WHO).
A real risk but still under control
This health alert occurs while Donald Trump, just returned to the White House, has signed a decree aimed at withdrawing the United States from the WHO. This withdrawal, justified by criticisms on the financing of the agency and its past management of pandemics, could complicate international cooperation in the surveillance of avian flu.
“The risk for the general public remains very low”nevertheless affirms the British health security agency, which detected a “rare” human case in the United Kingdom on a contaminated farm. The fact remains that the possibility of a mutation in the virus facilitating its transmission between humans is a threat taken seriously. Globally, almost half of the 954 human infections by the H5N1 since 2003 have been fatal, according to WHO. Faced with this situation, the scientific community calls for increased vigilance and strengthening international cooperation.
