6 hours ago
By Nicholas Vincent
Image Credit :TukkataMoji/Shutterstock
https://www.onegreenplanet.org/animals/bird-flu-is-the-new-silent-pandemic-ravaging-global-wildlife/
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In an unfolding ecological crisis, avian influenza H5N1, commonly known as bird flu, is decimating wildlife populations worldwide, with millions of birds and a growing number of mammals falling victim to this deadly virus. Originating from domestic geese in China in 1997, H5N1 quickly demonstrated its lethal potential by jumping to humans in Southeast Asia, boasting a mortality rate of 40-50%. This virus has not only wreaked havoc among poultry but has also been fatal to mammals, including endangered species like Owston’s palm civet.
Source: Reuters/YouTube
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Despite initial infections being largely contained to zoos and rescue centers in Thailand and Cambodia, a comprehensive analysis revealed that nearly half of all bird orders contain species that have been fatally infected by H5N1. This suggests that the virus is highly pathogenic across a broad range of bird species, posing a significant threat to global biodiversity. Mammals, including primates, rodents, and large carnivores such as Bengal tigers and domestic cats, have also been susceptible.
Over the past two decades, H5N1 has spread to every continent, causing unprecedented wildlife casualties from the high Arctic to mainland Antarctica. Recent outbreaks have led to the deaths of 26 countries’ mammal species and affected aquatic mammals like sea lions and dolphins. The UK has witnessed significant declines in bird populations, including over 75% of its great skuas and 25% in northern gannets due to the virus.
Human infections remain a concern, with 882 cases reported across 23 countries since 2003, half of which were fatal. The potential for H5N1 to mutate and become more infectious to humans underscores the urgent need for continuous surveillance and research.
To combat this global threat, experts advocate for a radical overhaul of poultry production practices. This includes making farms self-sufficient and halting the trend towards mega-farms to prevent the spread of H5N1 and protect both wildlife and human health. As the world grapples with this silent pandemic, it’s clear that our approach to managing poultry production is at the heart of preventing further devastation.
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