The avian flu virus that is circulating around the world also affects several mammals. In the Netherlands, a skunk, a badger and an otter have been infected with the virus in the last year and a half. Erasmus Medical Center virologist Thijs Kuiken thinks many other mammals may have become infected. He thinks it’s a worrying development of the avian flu virus, because it means the virus can then develop into a variant that can more easily infect humans as well.
The avian flu virus is difficult to control because large groups of wild birds around the world become infected with it. Mammals become infected by eating infected birds. The figures show that a large number of mammals are susceptible and that infection occurs regularly,” said the virologist. “Vaccinating poultry is one way to prevent further spread. Preparations are being made in Europe to start doing this and this is already happening in other parts of the world, so the chance of the virus reaching people is also smaller.”
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