Study Reveals Fatal Spread of Avian Flu in Ferrets
A recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that the current strain of H5N1 avian flu has proven to be fatal in six ferrets involved in an experimental infection study. This discovery has raised concerns as ferrets are commonly used as a model for human response to diseases.
Michael T. Osterholm, PhD, MPH, from the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), expressed that the findings were not surprising. He explained that previous H5 viruses have also been fatal to ferrets, especially in animals with no prior exposure to influenza viruses.
Despite the alarming results, Osterholm emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest serious illness in humans from the H5N1 virus. Researchers continue to investigate the broader implications of the cases.
The CDC study revealed that the H5N1 virus spread efficiently between ferrets through direct contact, but not via respiratory droplets, unlike seasonal flu. The CDC maintains that the risk assessment for most people remains low, but precautions should be taken by those working with infected animals.
In related news, a study from Poland documented cases of natural H5N1 infection in pet ferrets, indicating the potential for zoonotic transmission. Additionally, Wyoming has become the 12th state in the U.S. to report avian flu in dairy cows, emphasizing the need for vigilance among livestock producers.
On the international front, the European Union is set to procure avian influenza vaccines for poultry farm workers, while the World Health Organization reported a case of H5N1 in Australia. Several countries, including Australia, Latvia, Norway, and the United Kingdom, have reported new outbreaks of avian flu in wild birds and poultry.
Overall, the findings underscore the importance of continued monitoring and prevention efforts to combat the spread of avian flu.