The World Health Organization (WHO) said the world must prepare for a new pandemic – this time, the H5N1 bird flu. 

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the well-known H5N1 has existed for twenty-five years in wild birds.

However, in recent weeks, he said numerous reports suggest there’s been a “spill over” into mammals, such as sea lions and otters. 

Ghebreyesus classified the current risk as low. He said transmission to and between humans of the H5N1 virus has been rare.

However, “we can not assume that will remain the case,” he said. “And we must prepare for any change in the status quo.”

Ghebreyesus further asked people not to touch or collect dead animals – but to report them. 

“WHO is working with national authorities and partners to monitor the situation closely and to study cases of H5N1 cases in humans — when they open.” 

Ghebreyesus said the WHO identifies and monitors virus strains and advises countries. 

He added the WHO recommends strengthening surveillance “in settings where humans where farmed or wild animals interact.” 

“WHO is also continuing to engage with manufacturers to make sure that, if needed, supplies of vaccines and antivirals will be available for global use,” he said.

Last month, G20 countries, including Canada, declared support for the WHO to facilitate universal vaccine passports.  

The WHO began advocating for global guidelines for managing health emergencies in its 2005 International Health Regulations.

Ghebreyesus said the WHO will be the “custodians” of the so-called International Health Regulations. He said it’s important to “put in place the measures to make the world safer.”

Ghebreyesus said climate change, deforestation and urbanization will worsen future pandemics “unless we take concerted and coordinated action as one global community.”