STATEN ISLAND, NY – A highly pathogenic (H5N1) bird flu outbreak that has affected more than 40 million birds in 36 states has also been found in a number of other animals, including red foxes and lynx, the New York Times.
Avian flu, which has ravaged North America and parts of Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, has been transmitted to mammals such as skunks in Canada, otters and lynx in Europe, and even a pair of people in the United States and Britain. who had close contact with infected birds.
The report said the animals were probably getting infected after eating birds with the virus.
Scientists said mammals are not primary vectors of H5N1 transmission, and despite human cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the risk to humans remains low. Experts said earlier that people should stop filling bird feeders to help curb the spread of the virus.
However, as more mammals become infected with the flu, there is an increased risk that mutations may occur, according to the report.
Millions of chickens have been destroyed since early February as the pathogen wreaks havoc on the national herd, and growing numbers are coming as poultry prices are already experiencing price rises due to inflation.
An outbreak of bird flu in 2015 killed or killed nearly 50 million chickens and turkeys to prevent the spread of the virus. This outbreak caused a rise in egg prices, Advance / SILive.com reported, which severely disrupted the market until it dissipated the following year.
Avian flu, however, is having a disproportionate impact on wild birds.
In mid-January, the USDA said dozens of migratory birds along the east coast tested positive for bird flu, and the New York Times reported that about 400,000 wild birds are believed to have died. by the virus, although this total may be a lower count.