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Global bird flu measures ‘not working’, study finds
Continued 'genomic reassortments' are driving a global panzootic outbreak.

The research examines the threat to human health.

A review into the transmission of the H5N1 avian influenza virus has suggested that current control measures are ‘not working’.

This has raised concerns that significant data gaps may disguise a silent spread of bird flu, which may eventually lead to an outbreak among humans.

Researchers say that influenza A viruses, like H5N1, have resulted in the most recorded global pandemics in human history, compared to other pathogens. Swine have usually been considered the ‘intermediary’, where avian influenza adapts to mammals before infecting humans.

However, recent changes in the ecology and molecular evolution of H5N1 in both wild and domestic birds may imply more pathways for the panzootic influenza to spread to mammals.

When two or more viruses infect a host, they can swap segments during the genome replication process. This can lead to novel hybrids such as H5N1 – believed to have developed in Europe or Central Asia during 2020.

Continued ‘genomic reassortments’ are believed to be driving the global panzootic outbreak.

Scientists say that there are significant gaps in the data and control mechanisms used to manage H5N1 influenza. They analysed outbreaks in United States dairy cattle, European fur farms and South American marine animals to consider the threat the virus may pose to humans.

There is particular concern about a reluctance to use modern vaccine and surveillance strategies, as well as a lack of data collection on transmission between cows and humans on dairy farms.

Previously, outbreaks such as foot-and-mouth disease have been managed through the sharing of epidemiological data. The researchers say there is now months of missing data about H5N1 transmission in dairy farms, leaving researchers, veterinary teams and policy makers uninformed.

In the United States, H5N1 is only a reportable disease among poultry, and not mammals. H5N1 testing is only required in lactating cattle before they are moved across states. Meanwhile testing for H5N1 in wildlife is generally focused on carcasses, and is not monitored in living animals.

Scientists believe that various evolutionary pathways will increase the chances of the H5N1 panzootic turning into a human pandemic virus.

Thomas Peacock, a zoonotic influenza specialist who led the study, said: “What keeps scientists up at night is the possibility of unseen chains of transmission silently spreading through farm worker barracks, swine barns, or developing countries, evolving under the radar because testing criteria are narrow, government authorities are feared, or resources are thin.”

Currently the severity of a future H5N1 pandemic is unclear. Current human infections are seeing a lower fatality rate than during the prior outbreak in Asia, where half of people with reported infections died.

The study can be found in the journal Nature.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.