Researchers Discover Bird Flu in Horses, Posing Potential Threat of Spread to Humans

glasgow - Researchers at the University of Glasgow have found antibodies against the H5N1 virus, also known as bird flu, in horses. The findings, published in the scientific journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, raise concerns as they could indicate the virus spreading silently in horses.

Researchers have discovered antibodies against the H5N1 virus in horses, suggesting a potential threat of spread to humans. The study, published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, focused on horses in Mongolia where bird flu is prevalent.

Previous assumptions did not consider horses as vulnerable to the virus, but the research indicates they may carry the virus without showing symptoms, increasing the risk of transmission to humans. According to Sky News, the H5N1 virus is considered a potential cause of the next pandemic, particularly if it establishes in horses living in close proximity to humans.

The risk of human infection rises significantly if a horse becomes infected with two different viruses simultaneously. Bird flu has historically been spread by migratory birds and has infected mammals in the past.