Mexico Steps Up Avian Flu Monitoring as Virus Evolves
Avian flu (H5N1) risk is low in Mexico, but vigilance is key due to evolving virus. Experts urge monitoring, especially in farm workers and imported US cattle. Pasteurization of milk is crucial.
Concerns surrounding the H5N1 influenza virus, commonly known as avian influenza, are mounting as health authorities and industry stakeholders brace for a potentially significant year. While current public health risk remains low, experts emphasize the need for heightened vigilance as the virus demonstrates an increasing ability to cross species barriers, impacting both animal and potentially human health, with potential ramifications for food production and marketing.
Mauricio Rodríguez Álvarez, spokesperson for the University Research Program on Emerging Epidemiological Risks (PUIREE) at UNAM, underscored the evolving nature of the threat, stating, "We must be aware of the evolution of the phenomenon and continue to monitor it. In 2024, there were several significant changes regarding these viruses, and this year there will surely be more. This is not a situation of alarm, but rather one of vigilance."
