Surging bird flu outbreaks raise human-infection risk, UN agencies warn
Several UN agencies have warned that an ongoing rise in avian flu outbreaks globally has raised concerns that the virus might adapt to infect humans more easily. The World Health Organization (WHO), along with the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Organisation for Animal Health said countries should work together across sectors to save as many animals as possible and to protect people. They urged countries to strengthen disease surveillance and improve hygiene at poultry farms. "We encourage all countries to increase their ability to monitor these viruses and to detect any human cases," said Dr Sylvie Briand, the director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention at the WHO. The agencies also noted that countries need to share genetic data of viruses from humans and animals in publicly accessible databases. About ten countries have reported cases of avian flu outbreaks in both land and sea mammals since 2022, including in farmed mink in Spain, seals in the United States of America, and sea lions in Peru and Chile.
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