Over 300 million poultry birds have been killed or culled as October 2021 due to bird flu
MARIO TAMA
Health experts have been sounding the alarm about the potential pandemic threat posed by bird flu, which has been showing signs of mutating as it spreads among cows and infects people in the United States.
More than 300 million poultry birds have been killed or culled as october 2021, while 315 different species of wild birds have died across 79 countries, the World Organisation for animal Health told AFP.
Fifty-eight people have tested positive for bird flu in the US this year, including two who had no known exposure to infected animals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There are also fears that some human cases are going undetected. Researchers said last month that eight out of 115 dairy workers tested in Michigan and Colorado had antibodies for bird flu, suggesting an infection rate of seven percent.
Meg Schaeffer, an epidemiologist at the US-based SAS Institute, told AFP there were now several factors suggesting that “avian flu is knocking on our door and could start a new pandemic any day”.
But research published in the journal Science on thursday demonstrated that the version of bird flu infecting US cows is now just a single mutation away from being able to spread more effectively among humans.
Virologist Ed Hutchinson of the University of Glasgow said this suggests that H5N1 is just “a simple step” away from becoming “more hazardous for us”.
And last month, genetic sequencing of a Canadian teenager who was very sick with bird flu “implied that the virus had begun to evolve to explore ways of binding more effectively to the cells in their body,” Hutchinson said.
but the more animals and different species the virus is allowed to infect, the “more likely it is indeed to adapt to better infect people,” Schaeffer said.
And if a bird flu pandemic was to break out, it would be “remarkably severe” in humans as we have no built-up immunity, she added.
The US farm worker cases have been relatively mild so far. But nearly half of the 904 human cases of H5N1 recorded as 2003 have been fatal, according to the World Health Association.
Tom Peacock,a virologist at the Imperial College London,told AFP there are several reasons to be “less pessimistic about the possibility of a pandemic”.
Antiviral treatments and vaccines are already available for bird flu, marking a big difference from Covid-19 in 2020, he pointed out.
To avoid the worst-case scenario,many health researchers have called on the US government to ramp up testing and ensure details is shared between agencies and countries.
On Friday, the US Department of Agriculture announced plans to test the country’s milk supply for bird flu.
Of particular concern is raw, or unpasteurised, milk, which has repeatedly been found to be contaminated with bird flu.
Schaeffer said that any suggestion of lifting restrictions on raw milk was “unequivocally a terrible idea and definitely jeopardises the health of humans”.
How can businesses balance profit-making with sustainable practices in today’s economy?
Engaging Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert in the Field
Editor: Good day,and welcome too Time.news. Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that’s been making headlines lately—the interplay between global economies and environmental sustainability.Joining us is Dr. Jane Foster, a renowned environmental economist. Dr. Foster, thank you for being here.
Dr. foster: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an vital topic.
Editor: Let’s get straight to it. Recently, there seems to be an increased recognition of the link between economic policies and environmental impacts. What do you believe triggered this shift in outlook among policymakers?
Dr. Foster: It’s a convergence of many factors, but I think the turning point was the stark realization of climate change’s tangible effects—like extreme weather events and biodiversity loss. Decision-makers are increasingly seeing that sustainable practices are not just good for the planet, but also for economic resilience. The recent data showing the exorbitant costs of inaction on climate change has been a real eye-opener.
Editor: That’s fascinating. Speaking of data, coudl you elaborate on how you think economic models need to change to better incorporate environmental costs?
Dr. Foster: Absolutely. Customary economic models often treat environmental factors as externalities—costs that are not reflected in market prices. Moving forward, we need to integrate natural capital into these models. This means quantifying resources like clean air and biodiversity and incorporating them into economic assessments and projections.By doing so, we can more accurately reflect the trade-offs between economic growth and environmental preservation.
Editor: Interesting! In light of various recent international agreements aiming to combat climate change, do you believe that the global community is adequately committed to addressing these issues, or are we merely seeing token gestures?
Dr. Foster: There’s definitely a mix. While some countries are making substantial progress, others are still lagging behind due to various economic and political constraints. It’s crucial to hold leaders accountable and encourage genuine commitments rather than mere rhetoric. moreover, the involvement of private sectors is equally important, as thay have significant influence and resources that can drive real change.
Editor: You mentioned private sectors. Can you explain how businesses can contribute to sustainable practices while still pursuing profit?
Dr. Foster: Certainly! Sustainable business practices can actually drive profitability. As a notable example, companies that adopt green technologies frequently enough see reduced operating costs over time. Moreover, consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for sustainable products, providing a market incentive. By aligning their strategies with sustainability, businesses can not only contribute to a healthier planet but also bolster their competitive advantage.
Editor: that’s a refreshing take! Before we wrap up, what do you believe is the most pressing challenge we face in this integration of sustainability into our economy?
Dr.Foster: One of the biggest challenges is the inertia in both policy and behavior. It’s often challenging to change established practices and mindsets. We also need more robust frameworks for accountability and measurement so that all stakeholders, including governments and businesses, can track their progress effectively. Only then can we ensure meaningful action towards sustainable progress.
Editor: dr. Foster,thank you for your insights today. It’s clear that the road ahead will require collaboration, innovation, and commitment from all sectors of society.
Dr. Foster: Thank you! It’s an exciting and crucial time to engage on these issues,and I’m hopeful for what the future holds.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay with us for more discussions on pressing global issues here at Time.news.