Deadly: New Bird Flu variant strength alarming industry

European farmers are concerned over the potential spread of a new strain of Bird Flu, discovered on a farm in the US.  

The new strain of H5N1 avian influenza virus, discovered by a dairy worker on a farm in Texas, is said to be deadly to infected animals, according to a study​ conducted at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

However, it’s important to note, the study, which looked to determine the severity of the new strain, was conducted on ferrets. It was not tested on other animals, which could produce different, less severe, outcomes. Further research into the new strain is therefore urgently needed to understand its full impact on animals, such as chickens and cows. 

The virus also demonstrated airborne transmission, raising further concerns of a potential threat to humans.

But, while officials are asking farmers and the public to remain vigilant, they also urge calm.

“As we closely monitor the current situation on avian influenza, both in the EU and globally, there is reason for increased awareness but not for increased concern,” says Pamela Rendi-Wagner, director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Does Bird Flu only affect birds?​Bird flu is a fatal viral disease that can affect both wild and domestic birds, including chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys. Cases usually peak in winter due to the migration of wild birds into Europe.

However, the virus can spread to other animals, such as cows, particularly when they are kept close together in barns and sheds on farmland.

“Like other influenza viruses, H5N1 viruses mutate at a relatively rapid clip as they infect new hosts. Sometimes these mutations allow the viruses to more easily infect and spread among new species. That’s how the current viruses, which have been infecting birds around the world in recent years, began to spread among mammals, most notably North American dairy cattle in 2024,” said the University of Wisconsin–Madison research team who conducted the study into the severity of the new strain of Bird Flu.

Are European birds at risk?​The migration of wild birds across the Atlantic means there is a strong chance this new strain of bird flu will be detected in Europe. For this reason, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is paying close attention to the region.

“The HPAI situation has intensified particularly in the USA,” says a spokesperson for the ECDC.

“There has been a resurgence of HPAI virus among seabirds along European coastlines.”

And just last month the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reported a sharp increase in the number of birds known to be infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

“There has been a resurgence of HPAI virus among seabirds along European coastlines,” says a spokesperson for EFSA.

Is the new strain of Bird Flu dangerous to humans?​According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Bird Flu viruses do not typically infect humans, however, there have been some rare cases of human infection.

And it appears that this new strain is one of those cases, as the Texas dairy worker who raised the alarm were themselves infected. Though it appears they experienced only mild symptoms and are confirmed to have fully recovered.

“This threat to human health should not be underestimated.”

However, European officials remain concerned over the potential threat posed.

“This threat to human health should not be underestimated, and it is important that we stay alert and proactive in our joint collaboration,” says the ECDC’s Rendi-Wagner.

There are currently no confirmed cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in humans, within the European Union (EU), though the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is advising on the importance of continuing to raise awareness among healthcare professionals.

The ECDC has implemented several initiatives to address the potential threat of avian influenza to human health and has produced guidance documents on testing of exposed individuals, surveillance and outbreak investigation.

What is bird flu?​Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease which occurs primarily in poultry and wild water birds. Avian influenza viruses are either high or low pathogenic viruses (HPAI and LPAI, respectively) depending on the molecular characteristic of the virus and its ability to cause disease and mortality in chickens.

Wild birds are natural hosts and reservoirs for all types of avian influenza viruses, so play a major role in the evolution, maintenance and spread of these viruses.

Poultry infected with LPAI viruses may show mild signs of the disease or none at all. Infections caused by HPAI can cause severe disease and death. Both HPAI and LPAI can spread quickly through flocks. Moreover, certain LPAI viruses can mutate into highly pathogenic strains.