Educating the public on H5N1 risks through One Health

In this clip, Deborah Thomson, DVM, emphasizes the importance of public education on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) transmission. Through a One Health perspective, Thomson explains that the virus can spread from wild birds to farm animals through contaminated feed and water and notes a possible risk to humans via raw meat or milk. Although evidence for human infection through food is limited and still under study, Thomson highlights that clear communication about interconnected risks can help communities protect themselves and reduce worry about the virus.

Related: Avian influenza, One Health, and a new resource for educating communities

Thomson is the founder and executive director of One Health Lessons, author of the acclaimed book The Art of Science Communication, and chair of the World Veterinary Association’s One Health Education Subgroup.

Related: Cats as H5N1 indicators in the community and response steps

Below is the video transcript, lightly edited for improved clarity.

Deborah Thomson, DVM: Hello, I'm Dr Deborah Thompson, and I am the founder and executive director of One Health Lessons. One Health Lessons is an educational nonprofit that teaches about One Health.

Everybody is interconnected on this planet. If the environment is hurting, then animals can have issues and people can have issues—we all know that. When it comes to bird flu, what a lot of people just don't realize is how it can transmit. That particular virus can transmit from wild birds to eventually people. And so, if we as veterinarians explain in a simple way that wild birds can contaminate feed and water sources and farm animals, then that can ultimately transmit to us via raw milk or raw meat. And the same thing goes with house pets too. So just keeping it very simple and educating the public about that connection between everything is going to help people not only protect themselves, but also worry less about this particular virus.