Pets Could Spread Avian Flu to Humans: South Korean Outbreak Raises Alarm
A worrying possibility has emerged: pets, particularly cats and dogs, could act as a mixing vessel for avian influenza, aiding its spread to humans. This alarming prospect comes as two South Korean cat shelters reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1), with a high mortality rate among infected cats. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously warned about this risk.
In 2017, the WHO simulated such a scenario in Exercise Crystal, highlighting the potential for pet flu to jump to humans. Now, with two cat shelters in South Korea reporting H5N1 infections, this threat is more tangible. The outbreak resulted in a devastating 95% mortality rate among infected cats, with 38 out of 40 cats succumbing to the disease within a month. This underscores the urgent need for action to prevent a similar tragedy among humans.
Avian influenza is already spreading among people, livestock, and wild animals, raising concerns about its potential to mutate into a more virulent form that can easily infect humans. Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has warned that another pandemic is likely within the next 25 years, emphasizing the importance of preparedness. Pet food companies have a crucial role to play in prevention. However, there is no public information about the measures taken by South Korean pet food companies, such as Nature's Raw, to prevent the spread of the virus in 2023.
Since 2003, the WHO has received 882 reports of human infection with H5N1 bird flu, with 461 cases being fatal. This underscores the urgent need for vigilance and action to prevent a potential pandemic that could infect both people and pets. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the devastating impact of such an event, with many pets being abandoned due to fear and misinformation.
The potential for pets to act as a mixing vessel for avian influenza, aiding its spread to humans, is a serious concern. With outbreaks in South Korean cat shelters and warnings from the WHO, it's clear that action is needed. Pet food companies can play a crucial role in prevention by ensuring biosecurity, funding research, promoting sustainable farming, and educating on safe food handling. Meanwhile, governments and health organizations must remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any threats that may emerge.
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