Bird Flu Could Lead to Next Pandemic; Mutations Might Allow H5N1 Strains to Infect Humans

Bird flu viruses could lead to the next pandemic, health experts warned.

World Health Organization Warns About a New Strain of Bird Flu Jumping to Humans — The World Health Organization confirmed its first fatal case of a new strain of bird flu infecting humans. Matt Cardy/Getty Images

As of writing, many wild birds are suffering from mass outbreaks of H5N1 (avian influenza type A).

New Scientist reported that mutations in H5N1 could allow its trains to infect humans, which can cause another pandemic.

A new study conducted by the MRC-University of Glasgow Center for Virus Research revealed this after discovering that some bird and swine flu viruses can mutate to avoid the human gene BTN3A3.

Bird Flu Could Lead to the Next Pandemic!

According to The Guardian's latest report, the BTN3A3 gene prevents most avian flu viruses from infecting people.

Bird Flu Could Lead to Next Pandemic; Mutations Could Allow H5N1 Strains to Infect Humans — Casim Abbas, a mathematics professor at Michigan State University, feeds chickens at his small egg farm at his home in Williamston, Michigan, on February 8, 2023. - Due to the ongoing egg shortage and the rise in prices due to avian flu, some people in the US are turning to local farms and backyard operations to purchase their eggs. MATTHEW HATCHER/AFP via Getty Images

This gene is present in the lungs and upper respiratory tract of all humans. Thanks to the BTN3A3, these flu viruses can't easily replicate in the mentioned body organs. In short, BTN3A3 acts as a powerful barrier against swine and bird flu viruses.

Unfortunately, the new study stated that swine and bird flu viruses have a genetic mutation that could enable them to evade the BTN3A3 gene. Once this happens, they can infect humans as well.

"Spillover events of avian influenza A viruses (IAVs) to humans could represent the first step in a future pandemic," researchers said via their official study.

What Health Experts Can Do

Although mutations in swine and bird flu viruses can bypass the BTN3A3 gene, researchers said that there's one thing they can do to prevent human infections.

The new study suggested that resistance to the gene could allow them to determine what flu strains can lead to a human pandemic. To do this, they will test wild birds, poultry, and other animals vulnerable to the flu viruses.

"Understanding the barriers that block avian flu in humans means better-targeted solutions and better control measures to prevent the spillovers," explained Prof. Massimo Palmarini, the study's lead author.

The Glasgow Virology Research Center Director added that if they can identify viruses resistant to the human gene, they can conduct direct preventative measures sooner to prevent spillover.