NEW YORK: Leading virologists from across the world have warned about the growing global threat posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus, urging governments to take urgent steps to prevent a potential pandemic.
In a joint commentary published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, experts from the Global Virus Network (GVN), comprising virologists from over 80 centres of excellence in more than 40 countries, called for enhanced surveillance, improved biosecurity, and pandemic preparedness in response to the rapidly evolving H5N1 outbreak.
“The situation with H5N1 demands heightened vigilance and collaboration. Early detection and robust surveillance are critical,” said Dr Christian Bréchot, president emeritus of the GVN.
The scientists highlighted that the H5N1 virus, which can cause severe illness in humans—including fever, pneumonia, and fatigue—is now circulating widely in both wild and domestic animals across North America.
According to GVN data, the virus has been detected in all 50 US states and Canada. Since 2022, more than 168 million poultry have died or been culled in the United States, while over 70 human infections have been reported, including one confirmed fatality.
“In the US, sporadic human infections with no known animal contact highlight the possibility of viral adaptation,” the researchers noted in the commentary.
GVN experts warned that recent genetic changes in the virus could potentially increase its ability to spread among humans.
They stressed the need to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic by investing in early preventive action rather than waiting for a crisis to unfold.
Among the recommendations outlined in the publication were the testing of animal products and wastewater, increased genomic data sharing, the development of rapid self-diagnostic kits, protection for frontline workers, and the acceleration of vaccine research for both humans and animals.
“A robust nationwide monitoring system is essential to quickly detect and quarantine affected animals,” said Elyse Stachler, a GVN researcher at the Broad Institute.
Sten Vermund, chief medical officer of the GVN and dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, emphasised the need for “proactive surveillance and rapid response measures” given the virus’s ability to infect multiple species and its ongoing evolution.
The outbreak has already impacted over 1,000 cattle herds, and transmission to humans via poultry and livestock continues to be a concern.
GVN scientists warned that mutations and reassortment—where two flu viruses combine—could make human-to-human transmission more likely.
“Given the growing circulation of H5N1 among mammals, the GVN calls for urgent efforts to understand and interrupt transmission in cattle through herd management and potential vaccination,” said Dr Ab Osterhaus, director at the GVN and founding director of the Centre of Infection Medicine and Zoonosis Research at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany.
Osterhaus also stressed the importance of continuous monitoring at the animal-human interface, including milk and wastewater testing, as well as health screenings for individuals working with infected animals.
The virologists further stressed the use of self-administered tests by farm workers, enhanced public infrastructure, international research collaboration, and increased investment in vaccine development.
“Strengthening surveillance at animal-human interfaces is crucial, as current monitoring efforts are insufficient to guide effective prevention strategies,” Osterhaus added.
