More than 40 million egg-laying hens have been culled in the U.S. alone, making it the worst outbreak on record. Experts say poultry farms should be credited with limiting the virus as much as they have, hailing the success of surveillance and biosecurity programs. Avian influenza A (H7N9) is a subtype of influenza viruses that have been detected in birds in the past. **Clades are described in the Classification of bird flu viruses section. What are the triggers for different actions, and how do we measure if we're succeeding? Some strains, like the version of H5N1 that is currently spreading, are frequently. Here's what you need to know about the 2022 outbreak in the U.S.: The losses stretch across the U.S., and they're deepest in the country's middle: More than 1 million birds have been killed in each of 11 states that stretch from Utah to the Midwest and on to Delaware, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in chicken and turkey flocks has spread across 24 U.S. states since it was first detected in Indiana on Feb. 8, 2022. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. It has ravaged farm flocks and chicken yards in 46 states since February, when the first cases were reported in commercial flocks. By University of Colorado Boulder If allowed to spread unfettered, the pathogen could evolve in such a way that makes it more devastating or harder to control. Bird flu US egg factory roasts alive 5.3m chickens in avian flu cull - then fires almost every worker Laborers worked for a month disposing of birds killed in a gruesomely inhumane manner.. "However, ducks can be infected without any signs of illness. Better known as bird flu, avian influenza is a family of highly contagious viruses that are not harmful to wild birds that transmit it, but are deadly to domesticated birds. USDA has publicly posted the genetic sequences of several of recently detected H5N1 bird flu viruses found in U.S. wild birds and poultry. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Avian influenza A (H5N1) was first detected in the Region of the Americas in birds in December 2014. To detect AI, the U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees routine testing of flocks done by farmers and carries out federal inspection programs to ensure that eggs and birds are safe and free of virus. This happens when multiple strains of the virus circulating in the bird population exchange genes to create a new strain of the virus, much as new strains of COVID-19 like omicron and delta have emerged during the ongoing pandemic. Which cells influenza infects is partially dictated by the specific receptor that it binds. Get the latest science news in your RSS reader with ScienceDaily's hourly updated newsfeeds, covering hundreds of topics: Keep up to date with the latest news from ScienceDaily via social networks: Tell us what you think of ScienceDaily -- we welcome both positive and negative comments. The research team recommends a management approach based on a method called Structured Decision-Making, which follows a specific process of identifying and bringing together relevant individuals with an interest, expertise or stake in an issue, distinguishing the unknown from the known factors and establishing measurable goals and actions with quantifiable results. In the U.S. the virus has led to the destruction of millions of commercially raised chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, and has killed thousands of wild birds. But she notes that U.S. egg prices can be affected if just a few farms have to dispose of their flocks. As H5N1 infects more species, it also increases its geographical range and produces more viral variants that could have new biological properties. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. Highlights in the History of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Timeline 2020-2023, Reported Global Reported Global Human Infections with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) (HPAI H5N1) by Country, 1997-2022, Classification of bird flu viruses section, Reported Human Infections with Bird Flu Viruses, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Bird Flu Detections Reporting in Wild Birds, Bird Flu Detections Reporting in Backyard and Commercial Birds, Frequently Asked Questions about Avian Influenza, Spread of Bird Flu Viruses Between Animals and People, Past Examples of Probable Limited, Non-Sustained, Person-to-Person Spread of Avian Influenza A Viruses, Reported Human Infections with Avian Influenza A Viruses, Information for People Exposed to Birds Infected with Avian Influenza Viruses of Public Health Concern, Recommendations for Worker Protection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Self-Observation Instructions for Demobilizing Bird Flu Responders, Highlights in the History of Avian Influenza, Questions & Answers: H5N1 Genetic Change Inventory, Interim Guidance on Testing, Specimen Collection, and Processing for Patients with Suspected Infection with Novel Influenza A Viruses with the Potential to Cause Severe Disease in Humans, Diagnostics for Detecting H7N9 Using rRT-PCR, Infection Control Within Healthcare Settings for Patients with Novel Influenza A Viruses, For Clinicians: Evaluating and Managing Patients, Use of Antiviral Medications for Treatment of Human Infections with Novel Influenza A Viruses, Antiviral Chemoprophylaxis of Persons Exposed to Birds with Avian Influenza A Viruses, Follow-up of Close Contacts of Persons Infected with Novel Influenza A Viruses and Use of Antiviral Chemoprophylaxis, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Sporadic highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infections in, The first case of an avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in a person in the United States was reported on April 28, 2022. Most people who have contracted H5N1 have gotten it directly from interacting with infected poultry specifically chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese, which often are raised in close quarters on large commercial farms. The most important mutational changes affect the tissue tropism of the virus its ability to infect a specific part of the body. Do we test the water or the soil? Caused by the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu, conservationists working in the area are now . Total case counts for all human infections with H5N1 viruses reported since 1997 are. It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry in the United States. "This outbreak in the wild bird population is a lot more extensive than we saw in 2014 and 2015," says David Stallknecht, an avian influenza researcher with the University of Georgia. The first U.S. case of a person infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus was reported in April in Colorado. Speedy Robo-Gripper Reflexively Organizes What Made Us Human? Heres the key question: If H5N1 can achieve spread in minks and possibly sea lions, why not humans? The spread is much more complex than what we normally predict, Kuchipudi said. During past H5N1 bird flu virus outbreaks that have occurred . Left: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/what-consumers-need-to-know-about-the-avian-flu-outbreak, As avian flu spreads, North American zoos take precautions to protect birds, Americans may soon pay more for milk, cheese as rising heat stresses livestock, For Midwest farmers, floodwaters threaten millions in crop and livestock losses, outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, depression, coughing and sneezing and sudden death, the risk to public health from this outbreak is low, last H5N1 outbreak in the U.S. in 2014 and 2015, travel thousands of miles between continents, eradicate HPAI quickly after it is detected. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses can severely affect domestic animal, wildlife, and sometimes human health.. Outbreaks of Eurasian lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses have been impacting domestic poultry and wild bird populations in Europe and Asia since August 2020. All Rights Reserved. IE 11 is not supported. ", The long outbreak is discouraging, Hagerman says: "If we look at Europe, we can see that they are on two years of HPAI outbreaks. The first case of H5N1 infection in a human in the US was reported in April 2022. But when domesticated poultry, such as chickens and turkeys, come in direct or indirect contact with feces of infected wild birds, they become infected and start to show symptoms, such as depression, coughing and sneezing and sudden death. The team's conclusions are based on an analysis of five different data sources that provide information on the incidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds and poultry focusing on the USA and Canada as well as a global database from 2014 through early 2023. Introduction of the Eurasian lineage HPAI to North . The new H5N1 strain has already killed over 58 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds, Reuters reported. Avian influenza viruses are classified as either "low pathogenic" or "highly pathogenic" based on their genetic features and the severity of the disease they cause in poultry. The second reason for increased attention is that H5N1 is now infecting more bird and mammalian species than ever before. "Just a lot . .chakra .wef-facbof{display:inline;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-facbof{display:block;}}You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails. His lab is largely operating seven days a week. The primary natural hosts and reservoir of AI viruses are wild waterfowl, such as ducks and geese. The best way to stop the spread of the disease is if we eliminate all the birds that are in close contact with the contaminated birds.. A weekly update of the most important issues driving the global agenda. "It takes fewer egg-laying operations being affected by HPAI to drive up the price of eggs and egg products," she adds, especially since the majority of U.S. production goes to the domestic market. More than 77 million poultry, most raised in crowded. A sample of avian influenza isolated from a Chilean man who fell ill last month contains two genetic mutations that are signs of adaptation to mammals, officials from the Centers . CDC has been comparing the properties of current H5N1 bird flu viruses to past H5N1 bird flu viruses and has found that current H5N1 bird flu viruses detected in the U.S. during late 2021 and 2022 are different from earlier H5N1 bird flu viruses. Efforts to prevent infections in commercial and backyard flocks are ongoing, but slowing the outbreak has been challenging because the virus seems to have gained a foothold in species of wild birds, said Biao He, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Avian influenza Type A viruses (bird flu viruses) do not normally infect people, but rare cases of human infection have occurred with some bird flu viruses. ScienceDaily. Avian influenza vaccines can reduce clinical signs, sickness and death rates in domestic poultry, but they would not prevent birds from becoming infected with the virus. The third and most worrisome reason that this virus is getting so much press is that H5N1 now seems to be transmitting well between individuals of at least one mammalian species. Have any problems using the site? An outbreak of avian influenza in seabirds in the Gambia could affect vast numbers of birds migrating along the East Atlantic Flyway, unless international funding is secured, warn conservationists. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. ScienceDaily, 19 April 2023. "Generally you need two doses of a vaccine and then a length of time to achieve full effectiveness.". However, CDC is watching this situation closely and taking routine preparedness and prevention measures in case this virus changes to pose a greater human health risk. Most cases of human infection have been in Southeast Asia, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over the last few years, a new variant of H5N1 has spread widely through wild and domestic bird populations around the world. "You can think of that like an omicron variant" because of its wide prevalence, Webby says. H5N1 spread very efficiently between the minks and caused clinical signs of illness and death in the mink populations where it was detected. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) has led to over 23 million bird deaths in 24 states. The US is currently experiencing its worst-ever outbreak of bird flu, also known as avian influenza and a new study has found that the strain could become endemic in the country. Hagerman warns that in a time of inflationary pressure and supply-chain snags, it can be hard to directly link a price hike to the virus. The presence of the virus in the commercial food chain raises a number of possible trade headaches but so would using a vaccine to fight it. The disease can and does affect humans, but it's rare. Avian influenza viruses change slowly over time, but the right mutation could make them more transmissible in people and other species, says Ian Barr, deputy director of the World Health . Avian flu is ravaging farmers and the markets. Thats how the virus can go from Asia to Europe to North America all the way around the world, He said. The virus can take commercial poultry farms out of commission for extended periods. "A lot of countries don't use vaccines for this virus in their poultry," Webby says. To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: We take your privacy seriously. "Why this bird flu is different: Scientists say new avian influenza requires urgent coordinated response." An outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza that started in 2021 has become the largest bird flu outbreak in history, both in the U.S. and worldwide. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails. Low pathogenic disease is less contagious and easier to contain than the highly pathogenic variety. For more information about prevention, especially for people who keep domesticated birds or are bird-watching hobbyists, the Centers for Disease Control has a list of guidelines for avoiding H5N1 and other bird flu viruses. Sporadic human cases of H5N1 reported with H5N1 viruses circulating in birds since 2021 have occurred following exposure to infected poultry. hide caption. A wave of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu has entered Southern California, driven by wild bird migration. Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images. The virus does not pose a special risk in the nation's food supply, given proper handling. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. It's the worst toll on the poultry industry since 2014-2015, when more than 50 million birds died. A flock of pintail ducks flying in winter. Wild birds continue to spread HPAI throughout the country as they migrate, so preventing contact between domestic flocks and wild birds is critical to protecting U.S. poultry, said Rosemary Sifford, the USDAs chief veterinary officer. In addition, we have better diagnostic tests for much more rapid and improved detection of avian influenza compared to 20 to 30 years ago, using molecular diagnostics such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests the same method labs use to detect COVID-19 infections. ", Liu Guanguan/China News Service via Getty Images, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Zoos across North America are moving birds indoors to protect them from avian flu, Bird flu outbreak drives Nebraska to cull 1.8 million more chickens, Bald eagles around the U.S. are contracting the bird flu. Avian influenza is not transmissible by eating properly prepared and cooked poultry, so eggs and poultry are safe to eat. Though experts have said the virus rarely infects humans, HPAI has been detected in mammals such as skunks, raccoons, harbor seals, red foxes and bears, according to the USDA. Where do we direct our funds for maximum benefit? But the calculations might change if the virus is determined to be endemic in wild birds or in a geographic area. Illnesses in humans from bird flu virus infections have ranged in severity from no symptoms or mild illness (e.g., eye infection, upper respiratory symptoms) to severe disease (e.g., pneumonia) that resulted in death. The H5N1 avian influenza virus is causing the largest bird flu outbreak in history, infecting millions of birds and a growing range of mammal species. Questions? . A virus is single-minded: It has to replicate, to reproduce, He said. By contrast, humans experience influenza as a respiratory infection and spread it by breathing and coughing. CDC twenty four seven. A man was also diagnosed with the virus in Chile, according to the World Health Organization. Please check your inbox to confirm. Learn more. University of Maryland. Original written by Kimbra Cutlip. Additional Information Return to top The dynamics of the spread of avian influenza viruses are very complex. Eggs on a shelf at Pioneer Supermarkets in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Thursday. Just one or two mutations could make H5N1 more efficient at infecting humans. Well, whod have thought it? 1996 - 2023 NewsHour Productions LLC. The deaths of chickens, turkeys and other birds represent the worst U.S. animal-health disaster to date, topping the previous record of 50.5 million birds that died in an avian-flu outbreak in 2015. This can happen when virus is in the air (in droplets or possibly dust) and a person breathes it in, or possibly when a person touches something that has virus on it and then touches their mouth, eyes or nose. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. A highly pathogenic avian influenza virus "can cause disease that affects multiple internal organs with mortality up to 90% to 100%in chickens, often within 48 hours," the CDC notes. U.S. experts had been bracing for an outbreak, watching successful strains of the H5N1 influenza virus proliferate in Europe and elsewhere. And if infections go unnoticed, they could spread to other farms before farmers can put control measures in place. Visit CDCs avian influenza (bird flu) information for health professional and laboratorians webpage for the latest guidance. Materials provided by University of Maryland. It is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. Remember that the seasonal flu vaccine must be remade every year, even though the general types of flu viruses that it protects against are the same, because the specific genetic variants that affect humans change from year to year. Previous outbreaks of avian influenza -- whether low pathogenic virus that is endemic in the U.S. or highly pathogenic H5N8 in 2015 -- typically occurred in the fall, which meant farmers could prepare for seasonal outbreaks, cull flocks to halt the spread of disease, and have nearly a full year to recover losses. The virus has been detected in a broad array of wild birds and in diverse mammals, including badgers, black bears, bobcats, coyotes, ferrets, fisher cats, foxes, leopards, opossums, pigs, skunks and sea lions. But nearly 11 months after the first known wild case in the current outbreak, the deadly influenza virus is still here. In 2015, about 30% of the cases were traced directly to wild bird origins, compared to 85% this year, the USDA told Reuters. Scientists who monitor wild bird flocks have also detected a reassortant virus that contains genes from both the Eurasian H5 and low pathogenic North American viruses. That earlier outbreak also started in the winter but while that ordeal was over by the following June, the current outbreak lasted through the summer and has surged anew. Evan Bush is a science reporter for NBC News. Then the site is decontaminated. Instead, the virus sort of simmered through the summer months, she adds, "and then we get into the cooler, wetter months of the fall and we see a resurgence. 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This is a concern because studies have shown that only one or two mutations in the viral genome are enough to switch receptor binding from a2,3-linked sialic acid to the human a2,6-linked sialic acid. Saving Lives, Protecting People, 1 case in U.S. after exposure to infected birds, Human Infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in Chile, Human Infection with Avian Influenza A(H3N8) Virus Reported by China, Technical Report: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses, If you have contact with infected birds and become sick, Clinician, laboratorian or public health worker, Highlights in the History of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Timeline 2020-2023, Avian Influenza: Information for Health Professionals and Laboratorians, USDA: Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, USDA: Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in North America, Technical Report: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses (cdc.gov), Human Infection With Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in Chile (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Bird Flu Detections Reporting in Wild Birds, Bird Flu Detections Reporting in Backyard and Commercial Birds, Frequently Asked Questions about Avian Influenza, Spread of Bird Flu Viruses Between Animals and People, Past Examples of Probable Limited, Non-Sustained, Person-to-Person Spread of Avian Influenza A Viruses, Reported Human Infections with Avian Influenza A Viruses, Information for People Exposed to Birds Infected with Avian Influenza Viruses of Public Health Concern, Recommendations for Worker Protection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Self-Observation Instructions for Demobilizing Bird Flu Responders, Highlights in the History of Avian Influenza, Questions & Answers: H5N1 Genetic Change Inventory, Interim Guidance on Testing, Specimen Collection, and Processing for Patients with Suspected Infection with Novel Influenza A Viruses with the Potential to Cause Severe Disease in Humans, Diagnostics for Detecting H7N9 Using rRT-PCR, Infection Control Within Healthcare Settings for Patients with Novel Influenza A Viruses, For Clinicians: Evaluating and Managing Patients, Use of Antiviral Medications for Treatment of Human Infections with Novel Influenza A Viruses, Antiviral Chemoprophylaxis of Persons Exposed to Birds with Avian Influenza A Viruses, Follow-up of Close Contacts of Persons Infected with Novel Influenza A Viruses and Use of Antiviral Chemoprophylaxis, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Peru decreed a 90-day health emergency in December 2022 after more than 13,000 pelicans died on its beaches, possibly infected with H5N1. . The researchers hope their work will bring key players to the table to consider the next steps. "I'm hopeful that this is not the new normal for us," Richard Webby, director of the World Health Organization's Collaborating Center for Studies on the the Ecology of Influenza in Animals, tells NPR. Globally since 2003, countries have reported rare, sporadic human infections with H5N1 bird flu viruses to the World Health Organization (WHO). Many virologists are concerned that this virus could spill over to humans and cause a new human pandemic. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change. Speaking about this death to AP, James Wood, the head of the department of veterinary medicine at Cambridge University, said there is no reason to be unduly concerned about human infection with bird flu. All Rights Reserved. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Sign up for notifications from Insider! "People in Central America and South America really need to be aware," he says, "that this virus is likely to arrive on their doorstepif it hasn't . With avian influenza viruses, it is not possible to make effective human vaccines in advance, because we dont know exactly what the genetics of the virus will be if it starts to spread well in humans. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. "Unlike H5N8, this disease is heavily impacting wild birds," Johanna Harvey, a postdoctoral researcher and the lead author of the study published in Conservation Biology at the University of Maryland, said. Government officials are studying infections atturkey farms, in particular, in hopes of developing new recommendations for preventing infections. People should avoid unprotected contact birds that look sick or have died, though the outbreak poses a low risk to the general public, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Experts found the H5N1 Eurasian strain, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus type. Since early 2022, more than 49 million birds in 46 states have either died as a result of bird flu virus infection or have been culled (killed) due to . The first reason that so much attention is being paid to bird flu right now is that currently H5N1 is causing the largest bird pandemic ever recorded. The worst outbreak of avian influenza on record is threatening to stretch into a second year, as the U.S. races to contain a virus that has already caused some food prices to soar amid a shortage . Subscribe to Heres the Deal, our politics document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); SciTechDaily: Home of the best science and technology news since 1998. Photograph: Geoffrey Swaine/Rex/Shutterstock Efforts to halt the spread of this strain of virus have been complicated by its. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Better known as the bird flu, avian influenza is a group of flu viruses that is well adapted to birds. "It's difficult to estimate how many birds are truly affected across wild populations, but we're seeing dramatic disease impacts in raptors, sea birds and colonial nesting birds. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. You can review and change the way we collect information below. In late 2022, mammal-to-mammal spread occurred in Spain in farmed minks. "One of the big complications is timing on a vaccine," Hagerman says. Between December 2022 and February 2023, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in wild aquatic birds (pelicans and penguins) and sea mammals (sea lions) in the Antofagasta Region where the case resides. For commercial and backyard flocks, many early infections centered along the intersection of the Central and Mississippi flyways of migratory wild birds. Better known as bird . Local weather conditions also influence how the virus spreads. Many virologists are concerned that this virus could spill over to humans and cause a new . Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. Scientists continue to monitor the ongoing global avian influenza outbreak also referred to as bird flu that has killed millions of birds and has now crossed over to some species of mammals. In addition, more than 58 million domestic poultry were infected or had to be culled to limit the spread of infection in the U.S. and 7 million in Canada. The researchers collected samples from 1,079 wild birds and 132 gray seals and harbor seals stranded along the North Atlantic coast from Jan. 20 to July 31, 2022.

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