WHO closely monitors bird flu spread abroad

THE World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday said it is “closely monitoring” the detection of bird flu in mammals recently reported in several countries including the United Kingdom, France, and the United States.

WHO confirmed a spillover of the H5N1 Avian Influenza strain to small mammals but said the virus’ transmission to humans remains “low."

“Over the past few weeks, there have been several reports of mammals including minks, foxes, otters, and sea lions having been infected with H5N1 Avian Influenza,” said WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“H5N1 has spread widely on wild birds and farm poultry for 25 years but