May 6, 2025

Eva Zaman 

10th Grade

Thomas A. Edison CTE High School

The Fowl plague, bird flu, or now appropriately dubbed, the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), has reached the forefront of society once more, infiltrating poultry consumed by millions of Americans daily. Dating back to 1878 in northern Italy, a veterinarian noticed a prominent increase in death by sickness within the chicken population. Beginning to associate it with Fowl Cholera, its first name came in the form of Fowl Plague. For chicken farmers, it caused immense concern due to its high mortality rate, but it had yet to infect other species. From there, it continued to grow, spreading from chickens to wild birds and eventually humans in 1981 with the H1N1 strain claiming 50 to 100 million lives amidst World War 1. Due to its rapid mutations and developments, it has begun to inflict other livestock such as aquatic birds, pigs, and, most recently, as of 2024, cows. 

Due to its recent uptick, many citizens' apprehension has been reinforced, and important questions have been raised, such as how bird flu continued to mutate in rapid succession. As a result of the crowded environment in which chicken flocks are raised, many opportunities for the spread of disease through contact present themselves. Though there are strains of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) and High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), neither guarantees visible signs of infection resulting from unmonitored contact with unaffected birds. Through the contamination of wild birds, a greater geographic territory was attained, causing worldwide spread. As more and more animals come in contact with HPAI, the disease would mutate to accommodate different species, ensuring all of them could continue to further the spread. 

New adaptations pose more threats to public health and safety.  As of now, no adaptation causing an influx of human-to-human cases has occurred; however, due to the recent increase in contaminations, it could be possible. Once this occurs, contamination and sickness in humans can become dangerous. The most prominent strain that affects humans is Influenza A (H5), which leads to symptoms such as fever, pink eye, dyspnea or shortness of breath, fatigue, and nausea. On their own, it will not cause much harm. However, it can lead to more dangerous complications like brain swelling, pneumonia, and acute respiratory disease. Those most at risk of being infected are people working with animals due to infection occurring from contact with an infected animal’s bodily fluids and dust in areas where said animal lives. While the Avian flu is not deadly at a pandemic level, there are still measures you can take to avoid risks. If you work or are near animals at risk, always maintain proper hygiene and protection. Furthermore, the consumption or contact with unpasteurized milk poses a risk. Following proper procedures and safety laws ensures you, your family, friends, and anyone you come across in day-to-day life stay safe.