How can AI help model H5N1 bird flu outbreaks?

AI models like BharatSim can simulate virus spread from birds to humans, identifying key transmission stages and evaluating control strategies.

What is the most effective way to stop H5N1 outbreaks, according to the study?

The study shows culling birds is the most effective measure to curb H5N1 outbreaks, especially when implemented early before human infection.

What are the human H5N1 case numbers reported by WHO?

The WHO has reported 990 human H5N1 cases and 475 deaths worldwide between 2003 and August 2025.

Home / Science / AI Model Cracks Bird Flu Human Spillover Code

AI Model Cracks Bird Flu Human Spillover Code

19 Dec

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Summary

AI model simulates H5N1 virus spread from birds to humans.
Culling birds is most effective early measure against H5N1.
WHO reports 990 human H5N1 cases and 475 deaths since 2003.

AI Model Cracks Bird Flu Human Spillover Code

Indian researchers have developed an Artificial Intelligence-based model named BharatSim to understand the spillover dynamics of the H5N1 bird flu virus from birds to humans. This ultra-large-scale agent-based simulation framework, originally built for COVID-19, now describes the sequential stages of zoonotic spillover, including potential human-to-human transmission. The model emphasizes that early intervention is crucial, with culling birds identified as the most effective measure to curb H5N1 outbreaks in farm or market settings, provided no primary infection has occurred.

Since its emergence in the late 1990s, avian flu has occasionally infected humans. The World Health Organization reports that between 2003 and August 2025, there have been 990 human H5N1 cases across 25 countries, resulting in 475 deaths, a concerning 48 percent fatality rate. The study indicates that controlling secondary infections relies on isolating cases and quarantining household contacts, but beyond tertiary contacts, stringent measures like lockdowns become necessary.