Bird flu has emerged in animals across three states in the US, raising concerns about its potential to infect humans. The United States Department of Agriculture has confirmed cases in Washington, Kentucky, and Montana. Recent USDA data indicates a significant number of H5N19 cases in wild birds, particularly in Maine and Massachusetts.
The virus has been identified in various animals, including a raccoon in Kentucky, three striped skunks in Washington and Montana, and even a mountain lion. The severity of the virus has prompted a USDA warning, as it can lead to serious illnesses and sometimes death. The disease has been widespread in wild birds for years, with over 82 million cases reported across 48 states, according to the Hindustan Times.
Another concern is the impending cicada swarm, a phenomenon not seen in 200 years, with trillions of bugs expected to invade the US. With the virus now found in animals, including marine life, there are fears of potential human transmission. Dr. Chris Walzer of the Wildlife Conservation Society warned of the virus's potential to affect humans, noting its adaptation of new traits that could pose a problem.
To address these concerns, new disease-tracking initiatives are being recommended. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised extra precautions for employees in the poultry industry due to their increased susceptibility to the avian flu. Since 2022, the outbreak has caused significant wildlife deaths in South America and has impacted the US poultry industry and egg prices.
While the virus has been found in land-dwelling mammals in the US, it has also been identified in marine mammals on the Atlantic coast of South America, raising concerns about cross-species transmission. Scientists have discovered the virus in seals and terns in Argentina, indicating its ability to spread across species. Tissue samples from deceased sea lions tested positive for avian flu, affecting various animals and confirming the virus's multi-species outbreak.