“It’s surprising that Spain is not involved in the purchase of vaccines against bird flu”

Interview with Juan José Badiola

This expert notes that it is important to monitor the evolution of the virus in both animals and humans.

The spread of bird flu is beginning to worry scientists around the planet. Transmission of the virus that causes it to people is more likely than ever, and the shadow of a pandemic looms again. At the moment, Spain has ruled out the possibility of joining the procurement of preventive vaccines that Europe has begun.

How do you assess the current situation with bird flu in the world?

As is known, from 2022 to the present, numerous outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza type A H5N1 have been described in both wild and domestic birds, as well as in such species of wild and domestic mammals as foxes, minks, dogs, and raccoon dogs. , cats and marine mammals, and more recently cows. Although there have been cases of transmission of the virus to the human species, they have occurred on a limited scale, especially in Europe.

Do you think there is a risk of this becoming a pandemic?

Although it is premature to make such predictions at this time, as there is no proven evidence that this avian virus has undergone mutation and/or recombination that facilitates its transmission to the human species and its subsequent spread, it cannot be ruled out that this possibility will not occur in the future, and in this case, this risk should be taken into account.

The Ministry of Health decided not to participate in the joint procurement of EU vaccines, in which 15 countries participate. What do you think about it?

I was surprised by this position of the Spanish Ministry of Health, since I understand that the decision taken by the European Union is the correct preventive measure.

Are possible outbreaks well monitored in Spain?

I believe so, since in Spain outbreaks of avian influenza caused by this virus are strictly monitored and, in fact, from the beginning of the epidemic, outbreaks in both wild and domestic birds are promptly identified and appropriate measures are taken. appropriate measures to control and eradicate it.

Do you think that veterinary specialists and agricultural workers in our country are sufficiently protected?

I consider that both have adequate knowledge of the biosecurity that they apply in the practice of their professions, and therefore of the risks that may affect them personally in the event of a disease transmitted to the human species. In this regard, I believe that the measure taken by the EU to administer a prophylactic vaccine against the virus among professionals associated with the livestock sector will be a very positive additional measure that will significantly increase the personal protection of these professionals so that they are more prepared. in the event that they have to face contact with animals infected with the virus, and especially if it has undergone adaptation to the human species.

Do you consider it necessary to currently implement any preventive measures in our country? If so, what will they be?

I think the most important thing is to continue the surveillance program for the development of the virus in both animals and humans, with careful monitoring of identified outbreaks.