Experts are sounding the alarm over the looming threat of a potential bird flu pandemic, warning that it could surpass the impact of COVID-19 by a significant margin. During a recent briefing, researchers discussed the H5N1 strain of bird flu, expressing grave concerns about its potential to spark a global crisis.
Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi, a prominent bird flu researcher based in Pittsburgh, emphasized that H5N1 has the capacity to cause a pandemic, given its ability to infect various mammalian hosts, including humans. He stated, “We are getting dangerously close to this virus potentially causing a pandemic,” highlighting the urgent need for preparedness.
John Fulton, a pharmaceutical industry consultant and founder of BioNiagara, echoed these concerns, suggesting that a potential H5N1 pandemic could be exponentially more severe than COVID-19, especially if the virus maintains its high case fatality rate.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), since 2003, H5N1 has resulted in a fatality rate of 52 out of every 100 diagnosed cases, with 462 deaths out of 887 cases. In comparison, the current fatality rate for COVID-19 is less than 0.1 percent. However, at the onset of the pandemic, COVID-19’s fatality rate was approximately 20 percent.
Recent developments have heightened worries, with reports of avian flu outbreaks in the United States. Poultry facilities in Michigan and Texas reported outbreaks, along with cases of infected dairy cows. Alarmingly, the first documented case of a human contracting bird flu from a mammal was confirmed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), leading to intensified monitoring efforts by the White House.
The virus has rapidly spread among dairy herds across five states, affecting millions of animals and prompting concerns among health officials. Despite assurances that the risk to the public remains low, the situation is being closely monitored, especially following news of an outbreak reported by the largest producer of fresh eggs in the US.
H5N1, a subtype of avian influenza A, is highly pathogenic, causing severe and often fatal illness in poultry. While primarily affecting birds, it can also infect wild birds and occasionally mammals, including humans. Early detection in China in 1996 and subsequent outbreaks, including in Hong Kong, underscore the persistent threat posed by this virus.
