The new variant of avian influenza AH5N1, considered highly contagious, was detected in the State of Mexico on October 14. The case is considered the first in Mexico, which alerted the authorities to take precautions within the poultry industry and the population in general.

According to reports from the National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (Senasica), the virus was found in a gyrfalcon that died hours later in isolation. According to the institution, the animal was found near the Lerma River in the State of Mexico. It underwent several laboratory tests to confirm if it was a carrier of the new variant of avian influenza AHN51.

Given the situation, the United States-Mexico Commission for the Prevention of Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Other Exotic Animal Diseases (CPA) reviewed the area where the animal was found. After checking the area, no more cases of avian influenza AH5N1 were detected. Despite this, the agency invited the authorities to reinforce and increase biosecurity and cleaning measures in the poultry industry, such as farms or hatcheries, in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

The industry must strictly follow the protocol of the National Animal Health Emergency Device (Dinesa), which is in charge of the control and eradication of pests in animals. The authorities asked the population to report all suspected cases of contagion in animals to the corresponding authorities.

Although the first case in Mexico with the AH5N1 variant was controlled, the authorities expressed their concern about the new virus, since it has presented cases on the rise in Europe and the United States.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report on the new variant, and considers that “the current risk to the general public of the outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 in wild birds and poultry is low.” However, they released security measures to prevent the spread of cases.

Wild and poultry birds must be constantly supervised as they are the main carriers of the

The general measures toward the population are, in the first instance, to avoid direct contact with wild birds, since they are considered carriers of the virus and its different variants even when they do not show symptoms. Similarly, do not approach sick or dead poultry.

If it is unavoidable to be exposed to wild or poultry birds, it is necessary to wear the appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, a medical mask and eye protection, as well as proper hygiene: constantly wash your hands with soap and water, and avoid touching parts of the face with these. You should also have a change of clothes and put them, together with the used equipment, in a garbage bag and dispose of them carefully.

YES, IT REPRESENTS A HAZARD FOR HUMANS

This strain is indeed transferable to humans due to the high number of variants, according to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). As of May 1, 2021, outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry and wild birds have been confirmed in 41 countries in different regions.

There are three types of influenza viruses: A, B, and C. Type A influenza viruses infect humans and animals in many different ways. Influenza type B viruses only circulate between people and cause seasonal epidemics. Influenza type C viruses can infect both people and pigs, but the infection is usually mild and usually goes unreported.

The spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has raised concerns from governments and the poultry industry after previous outbreaks led to the culling of tens of millions of birds and trade restrictions late last year.

The H5N1 virus is a variant that already has cases of contagion in the United States and Europe (photo: Center for Disease Control and Prevention)”This time the situation is more difficult and more risky because we see more variants emerging, which makes it more difficult to monitor,” OIE Director General Monique Eloit told Reuters in an interview.

The risk is that it mutates or mixes with a human flu virus that can be transmitted between humans. Then suddenly it takes on a new dimension.

Fifteen countries have reported outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry between October and the end of December 2021, mostly of the H5N1 strain. Italy was the most affected country in Europe, with 285 outbreaks and almost four million birds culled, according to OIE data.

Outbreaks typically begin in the fall, when the infection is spread by migrating wild birds.

H5N1 is one of the few bird flu strains that has passed to humans. In total, some 850 people have been reported to have been infected with the strain, of whom half have died, according to the OIE.

Last year, several people were infected with the H5N6 strain in China, raising concerns from some experts that a previously circulating strain appears to have changed and may be more infectious to people.

In cases in which the person has had contact with an infected bird and begins with symptoms of illness, these are the recommendations of the CDC, in addition to prevention:

People who become ill within 10 days of exposure to infected birds should isolate themselves at home and away from household members, and should not go to work or school until confirmed that they do not have a flu virus infection. The state or local health department can help with monitoring and advise when isolation is no longer necessary.

The authorities recommend that the general population take the appropriate measures and be up to date with influenza vaccination.

Source: Infobae