LATEST: WHO updates #influenza care guidelines, includes recommendations for viruses with pandemic potential. Learn more: bit.ly/4e1CfkO

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

Avian influenza A (#H5N1) first emerged in 1996 but since 2020, we have seen an exponential growth in the number of outbreaks in birds. In addition to birds, an increasing number of mammals have been affected, e.g. minks, seals, sea lions and foxes. Recently, multiple herds of cows have been infected with avian influenza H5N1 viruses in the US. A dairy farm worker has also been infected. High concentrations of virus have been detected in milk from infected dairy cattle. The implications of this in terms of transmission is currently being investigated, as is the role of pasteurization in inactivation of the virus. Read the joint @FAO / WHO / @WOAH  preliminary #influenza risk assessment: bit.ly/3Up2sS6

Avian & other animal influenza viruses can cause outbreaks in animals, & at times infect humans. To protect people, countries should: 🔸prepare & 🔸act fast & responsibly when they occur @FAO, WHO & @WOAH provide key infos in this updated resource: bit.ly/3s8HXhZ

🎧 Find out how scientists around the world have been collaborating for 70 years through the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System network to protect us from #influenza Podcast bit.ly/3D7NOH6