Avian Flu H5N8 Russia

About Avian Flu H5N8 Russia

In February 2021, Russia reported the first human infections with H5N8 avian influenza. Seven poultry farm workers in southern Russia tested positive. All cases remained asymptomatic and there was no human to human transmission. The detection was significant because H5N8 had previously infected birds globally but never humans. The Russian Vector Institute reported developing a vaccine candidate. H5N8 has caused massive die offs in poultry and wild birds across Eurasia since 2020. While H5N1 remains the primary concern for human health, the emergence of H5N8 in humans demonstrates the ongoing risk of avian influenza adaptation. The WHO stated that the risk of human to human transmission was low but emphasized the need for surveillance. Past human influenza pandemic viruses have contained genes of avian origin, acquired directly or through reassortment, including in swine. The H5N8 infections underscore the importance of monitoring all avian influenza strains for human adaptation.