Mammals Infected with Avian Influenza Confirmed

The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced, 'Over the past few weeks, several reports of mammals including minks, otters, foxes, and sea lions have been infected with H5N1 avian influenza. 

H5N1 has spread widely in wild birds and poultry for 25 years, but the recent spillover to mammals needs to be monitored closely. 

Since H5N1 first emerged in 1996, we have only seen rare and non-sustained transmission of H5N1 to and between humans. 

For the moment, WHO assesses the risk to humans as low. 

But we cannot assume that will remain the case, and we must prepare for any change in the status quo. 

The WHO is also continuing to engage with manufacturers to ensure if needed, supplies of vaccines and antivirals would be available for global use.'

The WHO previously confirmed the annual flu shot for 2023 would not be effective against this type of influenza virus.

The U.S. government has already approved a vaccine for this type of avian influenza (bird flu) and has invested in newer vaccinate candidates. And related bird flu vaccine information is posted at this link.

As of February 8, 2023, avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak news was updated.