Outbreaks of the avian flu virus have continued in Africa, North and South America, Europe, and Asia, undefeated by summer heat or winter cold snaps, since a strain arrived in the United States in early 2022 that was genetically similar to cases in Europe and Asia.
Wild birds are primarily responsible for spreading the virus, according to experts. Waterfowl like ducks can carry the disease without dying and introduce it to poultry through contaminated feces, saliva and other means.
Farmers' best efforts to protect flocks are falling short. And, as the AfricaCDC.org website states, "Influenza viruses, with the vast silent reservoir in aquatic birds, are impossible to eradicate."
When avian flue strikes, poultry growers are forced to wipe out their flocks to mitigate or stop the spread of the infection. The economic losses are considerable.
And even the best technology is no full protection.
"Avian flu is occurring even in a new poultry farm with modern equipment and no windows, so all we could do now is ask God to avoid an outbreak," said Shigeo Inaba, who raises chickens for meat in Ibaraki prefecture near Tokyo.
Poultry in the Northern Hemisphere were previously considered to be most at risk when wild birds are active during spring migration. Soaring levels of the virus in a broad range of waterfowl and other wild birds mean poultry now face high risks year round, experts said.
"It's a new war," said Bret Marsh, the state veterinarian in the U.S. state of Indiana. "It's basically a 12-month vigil."
As for the risk to humans, the Africa CDC says "Human infection with avian influenza is generally through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. This includes consumption of raw, contaminated poultry blood."
However, as the Africa CDC reports, "These viruses have not acquired the ability of sustained transmission among humans."
This report was sourced from Reuters and AfricaCDC.org.
