As communities around the world begin to emerge from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new threat is looming on the horizon: avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. I'm starting to hear more about it and my wife has been informing me that there are real concerns coming out of the veterinarian field. While it may seem like an issue limited to poultry farms and wild birds, bird flu has raised alarms that feel eerily reminiscent our recent struggles with COVID-19.Whole population of outdoor cats living on dairy farms that have contracted the disease are dying. Strictly indoor cats are contracting the virus form raw food sources. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening with bird flu and why it strikes familiar chords.
Understanding Flu
Bird flu is caused by various strains of influenza viruses that primarily impact birds, but can also infect other animals and even humans in rare cases. The most concerning strain currently making headlines is H5N1, which has been responsible for outbreaks in domestic poultry across several countries, but has not led to fatalities in humans. The spread of this virus often occurs through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. As migratory patterns change due to climate factors, there are growing concerns about potential zoonotic transmissions. My wife and I were talking this morning and we are starting to see some parallels With COVID.
Just like COVID-19, bird flu poses significant public health risks. Although human infections remain rare compared to cases during the pandemic, each reported infection raises fears about possible clusters or mutations that could lead to human-to-human transmission. The economic repercussions observed during past pandemics will only be amplified through livestock culling or restrictions on trade. Add in that people are tired of pandemics and the incoming Trump administration miss handled the first pandemic I think we may see another sudden market selloff and consumer apprehension related to food safety.
I know our anxiety is rising as news spreads about outbreaks in avian populations and small animal populations since my wife is in the field. All I can say as we learned during COVID-19 vigilance against infectious diseases is crucial for public safety. I can only hope this is not going to be the same, but I'm setting up my portfolio with some plunge protection for march...
They've been sounding the alarm on bird flu for quite some time now so while they still might not be prepared for it, this isn't coming out of left field like Covid did. I remember when I first started working at my job the health department was handing out pamphlets that said "bird flu not a question of if, but when". I guess we will see how it all plays out.
It seems like no one is really taking it seriously on the national level. I have not heard much from the government outside some the more regional stuff.
I guess we will see. I'm not really sure I am in the mood for another pandemic!
Me either and I think that's going to be a big problem. We are all so tired of life changing event we are just becoming numb.
Such a disease stops the world
Its been around for a while. Can be serious !