A/H5N1 avian influenza virus has caused only a few cases of human infection. New strains carrying potential mutations could be selected for adaptation in mammals.
Virus has already "demonstrated the ability to take some evolutionary steps towards adaptation to mammals" There is currently no evidence of mammal-to-mammal transmission. Future sporadic transmissions from animals to humans and related serious diseases cannot be ruled out, warn ECDC and EFSA. "On farms, biosecurity should be strengthened", they say.