The Deadly Evolution of Bird Flu: From Europe to Global Outbreaks

Researchers studying the evolution of the bird flu virus have found that the current strain, H5N1, has become increasingly infectious to wild birds. The strain emerged in Europe in 2020 and has spread to numerous countries. The study reveals that the virus mutated through interactions with non-deadly varieties of bird flu, called low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses, circulating among wild birds. The virus's adaptation to wild birds poses challenges for controlling the disease, as spillover into wild birds has created a global challenge that is difficult to manage. Eradication or elimination strategies targeting LPAI viruses could help control avian influenza.