Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, remains a serious global health concern. In 2024, the situation has continued to evolve, and there are several key points to highlight:
1. Human Transmission: In the US, transmission of bird flu from dairy cows to humans has been reported, leading to an initial infection. A second case was recently confirmed, underscoring the importance of close contact with infected animals¹.
2. Global Cases: Since 2003, over 2,600 human cases and 1,100 deaths related to avian influenza have been recorded worldwide. Most cases have occurred in the Asia-Pacific region, primarily caused by subtypes A (H7N9) and A (H5N1)².
3. Current Situation in Germany: In Germany, where highly pathogenic H5 viruses are circulating in birds, no human infections have been reported to date. The risk of infection from contact with sick or deceased mammals is considered low².
4. Impact on Biodiversity: Bird flu poses a significant threat to biodiversity. Experts warn of the devastating death tolls among wild birds and other animals caused by the disease. Intensive animal farming is considered a factor contributing to the virus's spread³.
5. Decline in Outbreaks: Since mid-February 2024, reports of outbreaks in domestic poultry and cases in wild birds have significantly decreased worldwide. In Germany, there have been no outbreaks in domestic poultry since March?.
Bird flu remains a complex problem affecting both human health and wildlife. It is crucial that we remain vigilant and strengthen both preventive measures and surveillance systems to prevent the spread of this disease and minimize its impact.
Symptoms of bird flu in humans can resemble those of a common cold, but can also take more severe forms. Here are the most common symptoms:
– Flu-like symptoms: These include a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and fever above 100.4 °F (38 °C)¹.
– Respiratory problems: Difficulty breathing can occur, potentially leading to severe pneumonia¹.
– Eye infections: Conjunctivitis is a possible symptom¹.
– Gastrointestinal issues: Diarrhea and vomiting can also be symptoms of bird flu¹.
– Neurological changes: In rare cases, neurological symptoms such as headaches and muscle pain may also occur¹.
It is important to note that bird flu is rarely transmitted to humans and usually only affects individuals who have had close contact with infected birds. If an infection is suspected, medical help should be sought immediately¹. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected birds and their droppings, wearing protective clothing, and thoroughly cooking poultry meat¹.
(1) What is bird flu and its possible symptoms, causes, risks, and prevention methods?. https://www.msn.com/de-de/gesundheit/krankheit/Vogelgrippe/hp-Bird-flu?source=conditioncdx.
(2) Bird flu: Cause, contagion, therapy – NetDoktor.de. https://www.netdoktor.de/krankheiten/vogelgrippe/.
(3) Information on bird flu – NABU. https://www.nabu.de/tiere-und-pflanzen/voegel/gefaehrdungen/krankheiten/vogelgrippe/index.html.
(4) Bird flu – Infections – MSD Manual Patient Version. https://www.msdmanuals.com/de/heim/infektionen/viruserkrankungen-der-atemwege/vogelgrippe.
(5) Bird flu – Infections – MSD Manual Patient Version. https://www.msdmanuals.com/de-de/heim/infektionen/viruserkrankungen-der-atemwege/vogelgrippe.
(1) Bird flu: Second person infected after contact with cows in the USA. https://www.t-online.de/gesundheit/aktuelles/id_100411788/vogelgrippe-zweiter-mensch-nach-kuh-kontakt-in-den-usa-infiziert.html.
(2) RKI on human diseases with avian influenza (bird flu). https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/Z/ZoonotischeInfluenza/Vogelgrippe.html.
(3) Bird flu: »The death toll is shocking and unprecedented«. https://www.spektrum.de/news/vogelgrippe-die-todeszahlen-sind-erschuetternd-und-beispiellos/2211436.
(4) Classical fowl plague | Friedrich Loeffler Institute. https://www.fli.de/de/aktuelles/tierseuchengeschehen/aviaere-influenza-ai-gefluegelpest/.
(5) RKI on human diseases with avian influenza (bird flu). https://bing.com/search?q=Vogelgrippe+aktuelle+Lage+2024.
