Less than a week before the WHO meeting to discuss the pandemic treaty, a scientist at the Australian National University warns that the next pandemic could be imminent, with bird flu being a likely candidate.
The infectious disease physician made these remarks on May 23, following the detection of human bird flu H5N1 and H7N3 on a poultry farm in Victoria, Australia.
Associate Professor of Medicine Sanjaya Senanayake expressed concern about a potential bird flu pandemic, emphasizing the importance of preparedness. He highlighted the need for resources for a new Australian Centre for Disease Control to effectively address outbreaks like H7N3.
Meanwhile, experts such as Professor Raina MacIntyre from the Kirby Institute emphasized the need for vigilance and readiness in the face of potential pandemics. She stated that Australia is well-prepared for developing vaccines quickly in the event of a pandemic.
With the emergence of bird flu cases, virologist Vinod Balasubramaniam from Monash University School of Medicine identified avian influenza as a significant risk for the next pandemic due to various factors, including genetic reassortment and high mortality rates.
The Victorian Health Department urged the public to get vaccinated against seasonal flu following the first Australian case of human bird flu. They emphasized the rarity of human transmission and provided guidance on symptoms and precautions.
