Bird flu could become the next human pandemic – and politicians aren't paying attention | Devi Sridhar

We have the tools to prepare, but post-Covid fatigue and a lack of political will mean they aren ’t being usedLast month a pet dog in Canada died of H5N1, also known as bird flu, after eating a wild goose. Worryingly this follows a pattern, with an increasing number of bird flu cases appearing in mammals who come into contact with an infected bird, dead or alive.When you see a wild bird such as a duck or seagull, think bird flu. Because it ’s actually more likely than not they’re infected with the virus. And many species of wild birds are asymptomatic, meaning that they don’t show any symptoms. The risk of transmission to pets is low, but they can get sick from chewing or eating an infected bird, whether it’s dead or alive.Devi Sridhar is chair of global public health at the University of EdinburghContinue reading...

Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - May 16, 2023 Category: Science Authors: Devi Sridhar Tags: Bird flu Health policy Infectious diseases Birds Animals Environment Science Wildlife World news Source Type: news