The avian influenza is a problem beyond birds.

The H5N1 variant of the avian virus continues flying close to the ground level.

"First, the avian viruses came for the birds, and I did not speak out because I was not a bird. Then they came for the non-human mammals, and I did not speak out because I am a human mammal. Then they came for me, and no one was left to speak out for me." Paraphrase of the quote by Martin Niemoller (1892–1984).

Figure 1. Electron microscopy of avian influenza A/H5N1 virus (red/yellow) in epithelial cells. Figure credit: CDC and NIH.

Avian influenza, the A/H5N1 virus, or H5N1 (Figure 1). We recall that H stands for hemagglutinin and N for nucleoprotein. These two proteins are fundamental to the virus's existence and allow species classification. We have already devoted attention to the issue of avian influenza on other occasions because it is more present than ever in nature as the 24th year of the 21st century begins its agony.

However, if we read the press, nothing happens. It is understandable. One of the most powerful reasons is that scientific information on avian influenza is in specialized media within the reach of health professionals and scientists. The saturation and wear and tear caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (considerable fatigue due to coronaviruses, masks, vaccines, and imposed confinements) may also contribute to media camouflage. Also, we must add other burdens: wars, natural disasters…