“H5N1 is breaking all the patterns we knew about bird flu”

70% of emerging diseases in humans originate in animals, that is, they are caused by pathogens that manage to “jump” between species. We have a very close example of this microbial “spin”: SARS-CoV-2which came from bats and managed to quickly adapt to humans.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 is not and will not be the only threat we must face with these characteristics.risks of zoonosis Not only is it not going to decrease, but it is likely to grow in the future, spurred by phenomena such as the climate emergency, globalization and deforestation.

Microbiology professor still remembers him Ignacio Lopez GoyDoctor of Veterinary Medicine Elisa Press-Ramreth and professor of pharmacy Gorka Orif exist global health (Ediciones B), in this work three experts explain to what extent animal, human and environmental health are interconnected and emphasize that the way to deal with the future challenges posed by zoonotic diseases is to implement a global health strategy – the so-called “A healthy”– Integrate the above three disciplines.

“Important progress has been made since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most importantly at an institutional level, we have taken steps to achieve what we need to achieve, which is that human, animal and environmental health are interconnected, but to achieve There is still a long way to go. Theory meets practice,” says Prez-Ramrez, who gives a clear example of the benefits of the One Health strategy.

“along with west nile virus Mosquitoes, birds and horses are monitored, for example in Doana where the virus is spreading. Such surveillance could provide early warning, as there is ample evidence that warning signs are detected in animals three weeks before the outbreak begins in humans. “This data will allow us to implement a range of preventive measures to reduce the risk to people.”

“Human health is still considered a closed field. There is still a need to do this interconnected exercise at an academic level because it is not in the research program and there is no talk about ‘One Health,'” said Orif, who agrees And Lopez-Goy.

“Equally important is, Strengthen coordination among relevant ministries such as health, agriculture and environment. “We need an inter-ministerial office to facilitate coordination,” adds the microbiologist, who believes that “it is a mistake today for veterinarians not to rely on the health department.”

The threat of zoonotic influenza

If they had to bet which pathogen was best suited to star in the next pandemic, all three would zoonotic influenza as one of the most obvious threats.

“Influenza viruses meet many of the requirements needed to be considered a pandemic risk””, Prez-Ramrez concluded.

He explained that the H5N1 subtype “is breaking all the patterns of what we previously knew about avian influenza, affecting almost the entire globe, with unprecedented mortality in species that have not traditionally been susceptible to the disease, and with the epidemic continuing throughout the year.” Fortunately, it looks like it’s still not very effective at jumping to humans, but the powerful epidemiological changes it’s experienced in just over two years put us in a scenario of very great uncertainty. And putting a virus and uncertainty together is always a bit risky. ” he reflected.

In this sense, the authors favor close monitoring of the evolution of the virus and minimizing risks, such as those posed by mink farms, for which there is already evidence Reversing zoonosis

that is, mutual infection between animals and humans.

“Raising carnivores, especially mustards, at very high densities and with low biosecurity measures is a time bomb We have received many warnings in recent years,” Pérez-Lamarez said.

“The new coronavirus was not only proven to be humans transmitting the virus to mink, but these animals also replicated the virus at full speed, produced many adaptive mutations, and were able to transmit the virus to humans. This is a warning.” We have encountered bird flu again. A huge panic broke out in a farm in Galicia. Fortunately, workers were not affected, but the risk is very high. I don’t know that “more action needs to be done” I don’t think the risks to public health posed by these types of farms simply outweigh the benefits derived from them. ”

“Mosquitoes are the most dangerous animals on earth”

Experts point out that although arthropods do not occupy a top position in the new pandemic reservoir, we must also pay close attention to arthropod-borne pathogens.

“Mosquitoes are the most dangerous animals on earth. They cause more than 725,000 people die every year because it spreads hundreds of pathogens” such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya or the aforementioned West Nile virus.

“Some of these viruses were far away to us just a few years ago, but are now knocking on our door,” they note. In Europe, the first autochthonous dengue case was first reported in 2010, and several cases of the virus have been detected since. Local transmission is being closely monitored by experts.

The dangers of bacterial resistance

Another microbial threat that we must pay more attention to is bacterial resistance, said Orif. “This problem is clearly getting worse and we don’t have a clear solution yet. This is important because if antibiotics stop working, we will face a tipping point,” he said.

“The spread of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics is a major global problem,” adds López-Goy, recalling that many surgical procedures rely on antibiotics. “If antibiotics stopped working, maybe they could cure our cancer, but we might die from infections caused by bacteria. multidrug-resistant bacteria“.

Today, it is estimated that around 35,000 people die every year in Spain from complications caused by multidrug-resistant bacterial infections; a problem arising from decades of misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals.

Orive, Lpez-Goi and Prez-Ramrez all emphasized that the focus must be on possible solutions could address the microbial threats we face.

They stress that, first, they must “invest in me”scientific research“This enables the development of rapid diagnostics for emerging pathogens as well as new vaccines and treatments.

Furthermore, they claimed cooperate, both among doctors, veterinarians, biologists, environmentalists, etc., and among authorities in the field.Finally, they remember the need international solidarity. “This is a global health problem. “Until all of us are safe, no one is safe.”

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