Significant Increase in Bird Flu Cases Among Mammals

The number of bird flu cases among mammals doubled in 2024 compared to 2023, according to a report by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The report highlights 1,022 cases in mammals, primarily cattle in the United States. The WOAH emphasizes the risk of the virus mutating into a more infectious strain for humans if it continues to spread among mammals. Vaccination and hygiene measures are recommended to curb the spread, though equitable global vaccine distribution remains a challenge. The Netherlands has enforced a nationwide poultry lockdown since November 2023 due to bird flu outbreaks.