It is noted that such a call of scientists is connected with the fact that the highly pathogenic bird flu recently passed a new stage. According to the publication, the disease is spreading among marine mammals in a severe epidemic that has killed thousands of elephant seals. The development and adaptation of the virus raises serious concerns about the impact and consequences on human health.
Last October, an outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu strain broke out in Argentina's Valdez Peninsula, killing 17,000 elephant seals, according to scientists. Further studies have shown that H5N1 has split into distinct groups infecting birds and marine mammals, an unprecedented phenomenon.
Researchers say the virus may have adapted to spread directly among mammals. Scientists warn that the more it adapts to mammals, the more dangerous it is to humans.
