Since H5N1 first appeared in 1996, human-to-human transmission of avian influenza has been weird, Adhanom stressed.

“However, we cannot take it for granted this will continue like this, we must prepare for any status quo change,” Adhanom warned, while recommending not to touch or pick up dead or sick wild animals, and reporting to local health authorities.

H5N1 has been widely spread in wild birds and poultry for 25 years, and in view of the recent spread to mammals should be closely monitored, Adhanom insisted.

WHO assured that animal-to-human transmission is rare, and human-to-human transmission is not common.

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