Could Bird Flu Mutate? What Scientists Are Watching for Next.
Bird flu outbreaks are nothing new, but the real concern lies in what could happen next. Could the virus mutate into a form that spreads easily between humans?
Scientists around the world are closely monitoring avian influenza for signs of dangerous genetic changes that could trigger the next pandemic.
Viruses, including avian influenza, evolve constantly. While most mutations are harmless, some can make the virus more transmissible, more severe, or even capable of jumping between species more easily.
The biggest fear? A mutation that allows sustained human-to-human transmission, which could lead to a global outbreak.
Human Infections: Most bird flu cases in humans come from direct contact with infected birds. But if cases start appearing without clear exposure, it could signal human-to-human spread.
Genetic Reassortment: When bird flu viruses mix with human flu strains, new hybrid viruses can emerge. This process, called reassortment, has led to past pandemics.
Changes in Transmission: If the virus starts spreading more efficiently in mammals (like recent cases in farmed mink or sea lions), it could mean a higher risk for humans.
Scientists are developing vaccines and antiviral treatments in case bird flu becomes a bigger threat. Surveillance systems worldwide monitor outbreaks, studying how the virus behaves in birds, animals, and humans.