A fireflake of avian influence has been identified and extinct in a Chivasso breeding. Although the emergency has returned, the monitoring continues. This episode is only the last of a series of alarming signals that indicate the growing diffusion of the H5n1 virus, even among mammals
A firefighter of avian influence hit a breeding in Chivasso, in Piedmont, leading to the demolition of 55 thousand hens. The episode, which took place on February 7, the spotlight has rekindled on the threat of the Airporta disease that no longer affects birds anymore. In recent years, The H5N1 virus has shown a growing ability to infect mammalswith potentially devastating consequences for human health.
The case of Chivasso
Chivasso’s outbreak was identified following an anomalous increase in mortality between the hens. The analyzes conducted byZooprophylactic Institute of Turin They confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus, a strain of aviatory influence with high pathogenicity. As required by national and European legislation, the breeding was immediately seized e The reduction and disinfection procedures have been started. In addition, protection and surveillance areas have been established in neighboring municipalities to prevent the spread of the virus.
Fortunately, following 1,000 tests conducted in 100 farms, The ASL to 4 said the outbreak extinct. However, monitoring will continue for 30 days after the end of disinfection operations. In addition, an additional health task force has been created ready to take action for immediately intercept any human cases.
Aviaria is no longer just a problem of farms
The case of Chivasso, albeit content, is only the last of a series of alarming signals that indicate the growing diffusion of the H5n1 virus among mammals. In recent years, The virus has demonstrated the ability to infect different species of mammals, including visions, marine lions and bears. In March 2024, for the first time, the infection was also identified in a goat and, subsequently, in dairy cattle in the United States.
The spread of H5N1 among mammals is particularly worrying because increases the risk of further evolution of the viruswhich could acquire the ability to effectively transmit between humans, with the possibility of triggering a pandemic.
The numbers of the contagion
In the United States, since the beginning of 2024, at least 67 cases of human infection from H5N1 have been recordedone of which is fatal. Also, in Nevada It was recently identified a new virus straincalled D1.1, which presents a genetic mutation that could favor its replication in mammals.
“It could be a source of considerable concern if this virus continues to spread between cows and infect more people,” the immunologist and former federal health official told Fortune Rick Bright.
The question that arises is: What are we doing to protect ourselves from this new threat? Unfortunately, the answer is not reassuring.
In the United States, The Trump administration has recently blocked the publication of some important studies on H5N1preventing the dissemination of crucial information on its dissemination and on human health risks. In addition, a cut of funds for research on infectious diseases is expected, which could compromise the ability to develop effective vaccines and therapies.
“It is chilling but not surprisinggiven the gag imposed on scientists and the manipulation of scientific communication in 2020 at the beginning of Covid’s pandemic, “says Bright, who for months has urged health officials to increase tests and precautions on avian influence. “In 2020 – says Bright – he slowed down the answer, sown distrust in science and public health and, consequently, many more people died at that time. It is horrible that no lessons have been learned from all this and we are in the same situation, not only for the H5N1, but for numerous outbreaks in progress in the United States “.
