Avian Flu's Global March: Birds, Climate, Surveillance Gaps Fuel Threat
Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a significant global threat, with migratory birds, changing climate patterns, and surveillance weaknesses accelerating its spread. Recent outbreaks across continents highlight the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and coordinated global responses. The virus also poses a growing risk of cross-species transmission, including to humans.
- Avian influenza is actively spreading globally, affecting multiple continents.
- Migratory birds are key vectors, spreading the virus asymptomatically along flyways.
- Climate change alters bird migration, affecting virus transmission and survival.
- Surveillance gaps and weakened infrastructure hinder early detection and control.
- H5N1 strain shows increasing cross-species transmission to mammals, raising pandemic concerns.
- India is particularly vulnerable, having experienced repeated outbreaks affecting poultry and wildlife.
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