Experts have issued warnings about the rapidly changing nature of the virus causing record cases of avian influenza in birds worldwide.
They are calling for countries to prioritize the vaccination of their poultry populations to curb the spread of the virus. While the risk to humans remains relatively low, the increasing number of bird flu cases in mammals has raised concerns among experts.
The H5N1 avian influenza virus, since first emerging in 1996, was previously associated with seasonal outbreaks, and has undergone a significant transformation since mid-2021.
According to Richard Webby, the head of the World Health Organization, the group of viruses has become considerably more infectious, resulting in year-round outbreaks and spreading to new areas.