The Decibel What the spread of bird flu signals about another pandemic
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Dec 9, 2024 André Picard, health columnist for The Globe, dives into the urgent implications of the recent avian flu cases, including Canada’s first human infection. He discusses alarming transmission rates among species, like pigs and poultry, and the economic impact on livestock. Picard emphasizes the crucial need for pandemic preparedness, drawing lessons from COVID-19. He also highlights strategies for preventing the virus's spread, including biosecurity measures and vaccine development challenges. This discussion calls for heightened vigilance against future outbreaks.
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Bird Flu Basics
- Avian flu (H5N1) is a flu that primarily spreads among birds and has been around since 1996.
- It gained significant attention in 1997 after an outbreak in Hong Kong, raising concerns about a potential pandemic.
Avian Flu's Impact on Animals
- Avian flu is highly lethal to birds, causing millions of deaths in recent years.
- It has spread to various other animal species, including seals, skunks, and cats.
Inter-species Transmission
- Avian flu spreads within species through coughing and sneezing but rarely jumps between species.
- Inter-species transmission usually occurs through scavengers or close contact, as with poultry and wild birds.