The H5N1 strain of bird flu is currently circulating across the United States, impacting 989 herds of dairy cows in 17 states. Regardless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation very closely. They are especially worried about the strain’s possible mutation, which would increase its transmissibility among humans. A new research study published in the journal Science provides more bad news. It is a tendency toward H5N1, which is only one mutation away from becoming easily transmissible among humans. This strain is recognized as being more lethal than other strains of bird flu.
In Mississippi, a second strain of bird flu, H7N9, has been confirmed on a different poultry farm. Infected birds have already died, and authorities have quarantined the property to stop further contagion. If the H7N9 strain spreads beyond poultry, it’s highly lethal. As of mid-May 2015, nearly 40% of humans infected with the virus have died. The CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) tests all of the raw milk samples for H5N1. They are hoping that American efforts will manage to successfully contain the virus.
H5N1 Strain Raises Alarms
Public health officials are very worried about the H5N1 strain recently discovered in the U.S. Its ability to mutate and become more transmissible to humans is what makes it such a grave threat. The CDC has a large and vital role to play in protecting us from this threat. The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has been on the frontline of monitoring mutations of H5N1. Their purpose is to detect mutations that would increase the virus’ potential to adapt to humans.
"Quite frankly, a single case of avian influenza is very concerning because we do not want that virus to adapt to humans," stated Dr. Danuta Skowronski.
The BCCDC is currently working to develop antibody tests that could be used to monitor human exposure to H5N1. In the meantime, they’re studying the ways that bird flu spreads. These ongoing efforts focus on enhancing the nation’s overall preparedness in the event of a potential human outbreak.
H7N9 Strain Detected in Mississippi
In neighboring Mississippi, the confirmation of the H7N9 strain at a commercial poultry operation has resulted in immediate measures. Infected birds have been depopulated and the premises quarantined to prevent the spread of HPAI. Given this strain’s high mortality rate, we must implement more proactive monitoring and quickly contain strains as necessary.
"We all have a responsibility to shut that down as rapidly as possible to contain it. That's a global effort. We are communicating globally with the U.S., with the U.K., with wherever we can to ensure we get the best possible knowledge," added Dr. Danuta Skowronski.
This coordinated international collaboration is key to reducing the risk posed by these rapidly changing viral threats and improving our understanding.
Global Collaboration and Challenges
Unfortunately, federal attempts to monitor the spread of bird flu have been mired in complexities from recent funding cuts. This ruling came out of the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision has had a particularly noticeable chilling effect on global coordination and resource availability for avian influenza surveillance.
"Early signs are that the interaction we've been used to having, successfully for many years, may now be compromised," noted Ian Brown.
At times, officials reported feelings of distrust with regards to sharing mutual aid resources despite an overall bumpy ride.
"I think public health at every level is trying to really be very vigilant about cases in those different populations, and we are sharing information on an ongoing basis," said Dr. Theresa Tam.
Having seen the chaos and confusion from the COVID-19 pandemic, public health officials are using those lessons learned to inform a more effective response.
"Through the pandemic, we've learned a lot about tools that public health can use to make their decisions," explained Linda Hoang.
