Bird flu risk to humans is increasing amid 'alarming rise' in mammal cases, warns WHO

The statement added: “Avian influenza viruses normally spread among birds, but the increasing number of H5N1 avian influenza detections among mammals – which are biologically closer to humans than birds are – raises concern that the virus might adapt to infect humans more easily.

Since 2022, there have been deadly outbreaks among mammals in 10 countries across three continents, including outbreaks in farmed mink in Spain, seals in the United States, and sea lions in Peru and Chile, with at least 26 species known to have been affected. H5N1 viruses have also been detected in domestic animals such as cats and dogs in several countries, including an outbreak of bird flu in cats in Poland last month.

“We encourage all countries to increase their ability to monitor these viruses and to detect any human cases. This is especially important as the virus is now affecting countries with limited prior experience in avian flu surveillance.

Governments should prioritise surveillance among humans for severe acute respiratory infections and influenza-like illnesses, review any unusual epidemiological patterns, report human infections under the International Health Regulations, and share influenza viruses with the WHO’s Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System .

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