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Gene & Protein in Disease

PERSPECTIVE ARTICLE
Mitigating neglected zoonotic infections: A One

Health approach on avian influenza in humans
and animals

Mariachiara Paonessa, Maira De Salvo, Bruno Tilocca*, and Paola Roncada

Department of Health Science, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy

Abstract

Avian influenza viruses pose a great challenge to both animal and human health. This
viral disease, mainly affecting chickens and birds, poses a substantial zoonotic threat,
particularly with the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain. The avian population
is a key vector for viral transmission and fosters genetic changes and reassortment
events that amplify the infectivity besides broadening the spectrum of host species.
Infected animals shed viral particles into the environment, contributing to the
widespread dissemination of the viral disease and perpetuating the persistence
of viral strains. Given these factors, it is imperative to strengthen monitoring and
prevention measures to curb the spread of the virus. Implementing vaccination and
testing programs within the animal population, along with stringent biosecurity
measures in agricultural environments, including adequate hygiene practices,
controlled access to farms, and the separation of different animal species, could
effectively mitigate the prevalence of circulating viruses. The measures not only
reduce the risk of environmental spread but also mitigate the risk of viral transmission
to humans through the One Health approach.
*Corresponding author:
Bruno Tilocca
(tilocca@unicz.it)
Keywords: Avian influenza; One Health approach; Zoonosis; Animal infectious disease;
Citation: Paonessa M, Salvo MD, Highly pathogenic avian influenza; Low pathogenic avian influenza; Genetic drift;
Tilocca B, Roncada P. Mitigating
neglected zoonotic infections: Genetic shift
A One Health approach on avian
influenza in humans and animals.
Gene Protein Dis. 2024;3(1):2327.
https://doi.org/10.36922/gpd.2327 1. Introduction
Received: November 28, 2023
Accepted: February 1, 2024 Avian influenza, a highly contagious viral disease predominantly afflicting poultry and
Published Online: March 15, 2024 aquatic wild birds, stands as one of the most significant public health challenges globally
1
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s). due to its rapid spread and high mortality rate among infected animals. From 2003
This is an Open-Access article to 2023, the World Health Organization identified over 800 cases of avian influenza
distributed under the terms of the 2
Creative Commons Attribution infection in humans, resulting in 400 deaths in more than 20 countries. Nowadays, the
st
License, permitting distribution, world experienced three pandemics, including the swine flu pandemic of the 21 century,
and reproduction in any medium, characterized by its massive global spread and rapid diffusion, reaching peak incidence
provided the original work is
properly cited. within a year of its onset. 3
Publisher’s Note: AccScience The etiologic agent of this zoonosis is primarily distinguished into two major
Publishing remains neutral with categories depending on its pathogenicity: (i) the low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI)
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional virus exhibits a low mortality rate and reduced infectivity; and (ii) the highly pathogenic
affiliations. avian influenza (HPAI) virus is capable of breaching respiratory and intestinal barriers,

Volume 3 Issue 1 (2024) 1 https://doi.org/10.36922/gpd.2327