Albert Osterhaus
Albert Osterhaus
Albertus Dominicus Marcellinus Erasmus "Ab "Osterhausis a leading Dutch virologist and influenza expert. A Professor of Virology at Erasmus University Rotterdam since 1993, Osterhaus is known throughout the world for his work on SARS and H5N1, the pathogen that causes avian influenza...
birds greece indicator italy meaning relatively seen spreading swans
I think it is a worrisome situation, especially because we think that swans could be an indicator species, meaning that swans are relatively susceptible and so it could well be that other aquatic birds could be infected. Now we have seen it in Greece and Italy and now Germany. It is spreading all over Europe.
emerging higher pandemic risk virus western
In these countries, the risk of a pandemic virus emerging is much higher than it is in Western Europe.
possible
Cat-to-human transmission is theoretically possible and not to be excluded.
area brings european experts force form future local task together work
I think we should form a European influenza task force that brings together all our knowledge, so that if you have outbreaks in the future you could form delegations to work together with local experts in the area where it occurs.
basis facing fear might pandemic particular quite situation today virus
There is a real threat, and I think the situation we are facing today is quite alarming. We really fear that this particular virus might be at the basis of the first pandemic outbreak of influenza in the 21st century.