The emergence of COVID-19 shook the world, spreading rapidly and claiming millions of lives. Since then, there has been growing concern over the potential for the next big infectious disease outbreak, whether from a virus, bacterium, fungus, or parasite.
While COVID-19 is now under control due to effective vaccines, public health experts remain focused on other major infectious diseases. Malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis continue to cause significant global mortality, with approximately 2 million deaths annually. In addition, antimicrobial resistance has raised alarms about pathogens that have become resistant to commonly used treatments like antibiotics and antivirals.
Researchers are also keeping a close watch on emerging pathogens, with influenza viruses being a particular concern. Currently, influenza A subtype H5N1, also known as bird flu, is attracting attention. This virus is widespread among wild and domestic birds, including poultry, and has recently been found infecting dairy cattle in several U.S. states and horses in Mongolia.
The growing number of animal infections raises fears that bird flu could jump to humans. This year, 61 cases have been reported in the U.S., primarily among farm workers who came into contact with infected cattle or consumed raw milk. This marks a significant increase from only two cases in the Americas in the previous two years. With a 30% mortality rate in human infections, H5N1 has rapidly moved up the list of public health concerns.
Fortunately, H5N1 currently does not spread easily between humans, which reduces the risk of a pandemic. Influenza viruses must bind to specific receptors on cell surfaces to enter and replicate. Human-adapted flu viruses are well-suited to recognize these receptors, making them easily transmissible between people. In contrast, H5N1 is more adapted to bird receptors and has difficulty attaching to human receptors, preventing efficient human-to-human transmission.
However, a recent study revealed that a single mutation in the H5N1 genome could enable the virus to spread more easily between humans, raising the possibility of a pandemic.
If this mutation occurs, governments must act swiftly to control the spread. Global health organizations have already developed pandemic preparedness plans for H5N1 and other potential threats. In anticipation of this risk, the UK has secured 5 million doses of the H5N1 vaccine, ready for distribution by 2025.
Even without the potential for human transmission, bird flu is expected to impact animal health significantly in 2025. This could have serious consequences for animal welfare, disrupt food supplies, and cause economic challenges.
As reported by ndtv.com, this situation underscores the importance of a “One Health” approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By addressing diseases in animals and the environment, we can better prepare for their potential spread to humans. Similarly, controlling human diseases helps protect animal and environmental health.
While we must remain vigilant for new infectious threats, we must not lose sight of ongoing challenges, such as malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. Combating these “slow pandemics” remains a critical priority alongside preparing for future outbreaks.