Scientists from China associated with several scientific institutions in the PRC suggest that the composition and history of the H5N8 avian influenza virus strain threaten the possibility of another pandemic, Interfax writes.

A new strain of influenza virus was first detected in a duck in China back in 2010. By 2014, outbreaks were seen in Japan and South Korea in both domestic and wild birds; by 2016, it was found in birds in India, Russia, Mongolia, the United States, and parts of Europe.

By 2020, outbreaks of the disease were observed in 46 countries. Shi and Gao note that this story suggests that the virus can spread very quickly. Even more worrisome was the report of cross infections in seven Russian farm workers last December.

According to Chinese scientists, the infected workers showed no symptoms and showed no signs that the virus was being passed from one person to another. However, scientists point out that once the cross is done, it usually doesn't take long for the virus to adapt to other victims.

Researchers also note that H5N8 is highly pathogenic, but vigilant surveillance of farms, markets, and wild birds, along with standard infection control measures, can slow the spread of the virus.