Human H5N8 infections cannot be excluded: WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned Friday that while the transmission of the H5N8 bird flu strain to humans was unlikely, it should not be completely ruled out amid an ongoing avian flu outbreak affecting Europe and parts of Asia.

"For WHO so far, human infection with this virus cannot be excluded although we have not seen human cases in the history of H5N8," WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said.

Since June this year, H5N8 has been detected in wild birds and domestic poultry in Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Netherlands, Poland, Russian Federation and Switzerland.

A number of these countries have taken precautionary measures to reduce the risk of further contamination after wild birds carrying the virus were found dead by authorities.

The European Commission has also called on member states to be vigilant and to reduce the risk of further outbreaks.

Experts from the European Food Safety Authority are currently supporting governments to identify how the highly pathogenic virus enters poultry farms as well as the risks posed by wild birds.

In light of the situation, WHO recommends to avoid contact with any birds or other animals that are sick or are found dead, to thoroughly wash hands with soap or a suitable disinfectant and to follow good food safety and food hygiene practices.