H5N1 could be high-risk pandemic source — Imperial expert
The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus could pose a high risk as a source of a future pandemic, as its spread across birds and mammals continues to expand, a leading infectious disease expert at Imperial College London has warned. Professor Wendy Barclay, Regius Professor of Infectious Disease at Imperial, said viruses already circulating in […] The post H5N1 could be high-risk pandemic…
Professor Wendy Barclay, a leading infectious disease expert at Imperial College London, has warned that the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus could pose a significant risk as a potential source of a future pandemic. The virus has been spreading across birds and mammals, necessitating particular attention due to its ability to jump between species.
Professor Barclay stated, "On a numbers game alone, it has to be considered high risk as a pandemic source." She observed the virus's re-emergence and global spread since 2020, resulting in the culling of over 400 million chickens and its detection in dairy cattle and mink farms. Experts from Imperial College London are monitoring the virus's evolution in new host species and assessing potential human consequences.
They advocate for the use of the current period to prepare vaccines, drugs, and diagnostic tools, rather than waiting for a pandemic to emerge. AI and synthetic biology advancements were also discussed, with concerns raised about potential biosecurity risks.
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