By prof. Thijs Kuiken, prof. Ron A M Fouchier, prof. Marion P G Koopmans

Since 2021, an unprecedented shift occurred in the ecology of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the H5 subtype. The global spread of H5 HPAI is cause for concern, given the high mortality in wild birds and poultry, but also because of numerous reported cases in mammals, including some in humans. Because past influenza pandemics originated from animal reservoirs, we argue that it is crucial to step up actions both to prevent H5 HPAI from becoming a future pandemic and, if that fails, to prepare for the consequences.

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Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases

Date: April 11, 2023