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https://theconversation.com/thousands-of-migratory-birds-will-make-nz-landfall-in-spring-will-they-bring-a-deadly-bird-flu-with-them-211492>
"A highly pathogenic bird flu is currently sweeping the world – and New Zealand
could be better prepared for its potential arrival.
Over the past few years, more and more birds have come to harbour new strains
of this deadly virus as it continues to evolve to infect new species. It is now
causing a panzootic (a pandemic of animals) among wild aquatic birds.
The virus, known as highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, has likely already
killed thousands of birds worldwide (the exact number is difficult to
estimate). What’s more, spillovers to non-avian hosts such as mammals are
becoming increasingly common.
While only a few human cases have been reported, cats, foxes and sea lions are
being infected at an alarming rate.
Despite intercontinental transmission of highly pathogenic bird flu variants
during the past 20 years, no cases have been reported in New Zealand – yet.
Australia is also considered free of the virus, although a few years ago a
strain in chickens was thought to have evolved locally.
One reason we emphasise “yet” is because each spring, thousands of migratory
birds arrive in Aotearoa New Zealand. Will they bring these deadly strains of
avian influenza with them? An unwanted viral hitchhiker of this type could have
devastating consequences for our biota and industries."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
