"H5N1 may be more severe than COVID-19"

In early April, the US confirmed the first case of avian influenza in livestock, along with cow-to-human transmission of the virus disease.

- SURESH V KUCHIPUDI

It marks a critical moment in the current outbreak of avian influenza, caused by the H5N1 strain of the virus, which began in 2020 and has reached as far as the poles of the planet. The virus has infected several species, including pigs, bears, dolphins and penguins. Millions of animals have been culled to curb transmission, hampering livelihoods and trade. As H5N1 evolves, HIMANSHU N speaks to SURESH V KUCHIPUDI, professor and chair of the faculty in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the School of Health, University of Pittsburgh, US, on the potential of avian influenza sparking the next human pandemic: 

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A (H5N1), or the bird flu virus, has been known for about three decades. Why is it considered so dangerous, and how has the current outbreak spread so far?

The global distribution of H5N1 viruses primarily affects birds, making them panzootic among poultry. However, the concern arises from its potential to transition into a human virus, potentially triggering a human pandemic.

Bird flu viruses belonging to the H5N1 strain have been present for a long time. The original H5N1 virus was first identified in 1996 in a goose in China. These viruses later spread globally, underwent significant genetic changes, and generated multiple subtypes.