Faced with risksrealDue to the multiplication of avian flu outbreaks and the evolution of the virus, which can facilitate human transmission, France must strengthen prevention, advises the Committee for the Monitoring and Prediction of Health Risks (COVARS) in an opinion published on Monday 12 January. The Committee finds that the maintenance of the virus and the multiplication of outbreaks.poses a significant risk to human health“.
In France and worldwide, the 2021-2022 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI, the most dangerous category of avian influenza) epizootic has already caused “unprecedented crisis” on farms, which led to the preventive killing of more than 21 million poultry in France, recalls his 55-page opinion. He notes that the context states “persistence of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in the environment despite concerted efforts by health agencies and industry players“.
“Risk of Human Transmission”
This viral infection, which affects both domestic and wild birds;cannot be eradicated today due to the diversity and complexity of its reservoiradds COVARS. And “the current resurgence of wild and agricultural outbreaks of avian influenza increases the risk of human transmission– he warns. In France, the situation seemed calmer in March 2023 (when the Ministry of Agriculture lowered the risk level from high to moderate), but since then new outbreaks have appeared on farms in the south-west.
judging that “The risks of avian outbreaks multiplying and the virus evolving to facilitate human transmission are real.“COVARS calls for increased action”vaccinations, on-farm preventive measures, animal and human surveillance, funding for research into avian influenza and HPAI“. The vaccination campaign against bird flu should start in October, the Minister of Agriculture Mark Fesno announced a week ago.
Source: Le Figaro
I am John Sinkler, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in writing about entertainment-related topics and have been doing so for several years now. My work has been featured on multiple platforms and I’m proud to say that it’s gained recognition from many people in the industry. Aside from working at Buna Times, I also write freelance articles for other publications.