Why is WHO concerned about Avian Influenza or Bird Flu? Who is at risk? How can you protect yourself and which foods are safe to eat during an outbreak? Dr Wenqing Zhang explains in Science in 5.

Although bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans, sporadic human infections have occurred. It is important to note that “highly pathogenic” refers to severe impact in birds, not necessarily in humans.

On March 25, 2024, immediately following the first detection of H5N1 in dairy cattle in the Texas panhandle region, USDA and HHS began their work to understand the origin of the emergence and its potential impact in bovines and humans.

CDC is working in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state public health and animal health officials, and other partners using a One Health approach.

The H5N1 avian influenza virus has so far shown no signs of adapting to allow human-to-human transmission, the UN health agency said on Wednesday, urging continued surveillance.

ECDC, ECHA, EEA, EFSA and EMA publishes a joint framework for action to strengthen cooperation to support the implementation of the One Health agenda in the European Union.

Building on the 2023 session held at the ESWI conference in Valencia "RSV Looking towards the future", this one-day summit concentrated on the healthcare and economic impact of RSV disease, along with the potential solutions expected in the near future.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notified the public in early April that an individual in Texas had tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu.

Influenza A viruses remain a global threat to human health, with continued pandemic potential.

With promising developments in the field of respiratory viral infections, the conference sessions covered hot topics on seasonal, pandemic, and zoonotic influenza viruses, as well as other respiratory viruses such as RSV and SARS-CoV-2.

As bird flu is confirmed in 33 cattle herds across eight US states, science editor of the Guardian Ian Sample talks to virologist Dr Ed Hutchinson of Glasgow University and ESWI Board member about why this development has taken scientists by surprise