Azerbaijan health officials have confirmed that a stray dog in the country has died from the avian influenza virus. This is considered the first fatal case of the H5N1 virus in dogs.
The dog infected with H5N1 was found dead in the capital, Baku, on March 9. “After analysis, the A type influenza virus was detected. We are conducting a medical investigation into this case,” stated a release from the Azerbaijan Avian Influenza Committee.
According to Azerbaijani authorities, three individuals in the country died from the H5N1 virus on March 12. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not confirmed these three cases but has stated that the laboratory of the U.S. Navy, which conducted the related tests, is reliable.
Azerbaijani health workers destroying poultry in the affected area (Photo: VNN)
Last month, Azerbaijan also detected the H5N1 strain in migratory bird populations arriving in the country. The government has implemented measures to isolate two areas – where the first three deaths occurred – with all access points being controlled.
With the three victims in Azerbaijan, the total number of deaths from the flu virus, according to WHO statistics, has risen to 101 since the outbreak re-emerged in late 2003.
It is currently unclear if the flu virus can be transmitted from person to person. Most victims have had direct contact with infected poultry. However, scientists are concerned that avian influenza could mutate into a form that can be transmitted between humans, posing a risk of developing a new pandemic beyond control. According to WHO forecasts, if a human flu outbreak occurs, it could potentially kill between 5 to 7.4 million people worldwide.
Previously, the World Bank warned that if an avian influenza pandemic occurs, the global economy could suffer losses of around $800 billion, equivalent to 2% of global GDP.
Thanh Hảo (According to BBC, Reuters)
