WHO urges enhanced monitoring of H5N1 bird flu in animals

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for increased surveillance of H5N1 bird flu in animals to prevent its spread. The agency is collaborating with organizations like the World Organization for Animal Health to enhance monitoring efforts. Recent concerns arose after the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed H5N1 in a pig in Oregon. Pigs can carry both bird and human viruses, raising the risk of creating a new virus that could infect humans more easily. So far in 2024, the U.S. has reported 55 human cases of H5N1, primarily among farm workers. There has been no evidence of person-to-person transmission, but those in close contact with infected animals are at higher risk.