The highly contagious H5N1 bird flu virus has spread rapidly among US livestock and wildlife, raising concerns about its potential to become a threat to humans. While there have been no confirmed cases of human-to-human transmission, experts warn that the virus could mutate and become more transmissible. Concerns are growing that the Biden administration may repeat the policy mistakes made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
, or H5N1 , among livestock and wildlife in the United States, which experts are concerned could become a threat to humans should the spread of the
“Under the current administration, it is absolutely clear that none of the lessons that can be drawn from the response to COVID-19 were drawn or applied to the H5N1 presence in first wildlife, and then in some livestock species, and then in multiple livestock species in the United States,” Ebright said. “So, the same errors that were made in early 2020 are being made by the same agency.
“We have at least 60 people in the U.S. infected with H5N1. You’ve got 14 million birds. We’ve got over 800 dairy farms. This is big,” Davis said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be secretary of health and human services, walks to meet with Sen. John Thune at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. , would be tasked with responding to the bird flu epidemic, as both departments have been working in tandem under the Biden administration to prevent the development of human-to-human transmission.
Ebright said he is troubled that Kennedy, who is highly skeptical of vaccines in general, will not take advantage of“Efforts to make stockpiled, existing, federally owned vaccines available to contain an outbreak when an outbreak is a very limited scope, and containable, is an essential step, but it didn’t happen under the current administration, and it’s now at a scale where it is less containable,” Ebright said.
Without national-level testing protocols, Davis says H5N1, or any other virus, can essentially lurk in plain sight.
Bird Flu H5N1 Pandemic Public Health COVID-19
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Virus Hunters Track Global Threats from Flu to Bird FluDr. Rodgers, a virus hunter, discusses the constant evolution of viruses and the importance of global monitoring. She highlights the risks posed by circulating respiratory viruses like RSV, flu, and COVID-19, especially during the holiday season. Rodgers also emphasizes the need to watch avian influenza (H5N1) as human cases increase, despite remaining mild so far.
Read more »
Bird Flu Detected in Texas City BirdGalveston County Health District confirms first case of avian influenza (H5N1) in a bird found in Texas City. Officials urge residents to be cautious when handling sick or dead birds.
Read more »
Bird Flu Threatens California as Experts Urge PrecautionsCalifornia faces a growing threat from bird flu, prompting an emergency declaration and calls for increased vigilance. Experts warn that backyard chicken owners are at higher risk of contracting the virus, urging them to take precautions like wearing protective gear and avoiding contact with wild waterfowl.
Read more »
Bird Flu Threatens Cats, Experts Warn Pet OwnersA recent outbreak of bird flu in the US has raised concerns for cat owners, as the virus has been detected in multiple felines linked to contaminated raw meat and milk. Experts emphasize the dangers of feeding cats raw meat and unpasteurized dairy products, urging owners to prioritize cooked foods and limit contact with wild birds, livestock, and poultry.
Read more »
Bird Flu Virus Is One Mutation Away from Adapting to Human CellsA new study finds tweaking part of the H5N1 virus infecting dairy cows in a single spot could allow it to better attach to human cell receptors, raising concerns it could transmit more easily between people
Read more »
Bird Flu: Scientists Express Growing Concern over Increasing Human Cases and Virus EvolutionThe bird flu outbreak has taken concerning turns this year, with a surge in human cases and the virus showing signs of adapting to humans. Scientists are worried about the virus' spread in animals, detections in wastewater, unidentified source infections in humans, and its ability to evolve towards human transmission.
Read more »