Russian scientist warns bird flu could trigger new pandemic

A subtype of influenza A virus known as avian influenza could potentially trigger a disease capable of causing a new global pandemic, Andrey Rudometov, acting head of the Bioengineering Department at Russia’s Vector Centre for Virology, said.

Speaking at a scientific forum in the science city of Koltsovo, Rudometov said the virus was already circulating worldwide.

“The virus has already spread throughout the world; there are no continents where this virus does not circulate. Many researchers believe that this subtype could indeed cause Disease X, which could trigger a new pandemic,” he said.

Rudometov also pointed to an increase in reported infections among mammals worldwide. He highlighted an outbreak of avian influenza among cattle in the United States as a particular concern.

“WHO strongly recommends carrying out work on the development of vaccines,” the scientist said.

The World Health Organisation has described zoonotic influenza viruses as a significant concern because of their potential to cause pandemics. However, WHO says human infections with H5N1 remain limited, and that sustained human-to-human transmission has not been reported.

By Tamilla Hasanova