Bird Flu's Evolving Threat: New Mammalian Pathways Raise Pandemic Concerns

A comprehensive study reveals that current global strategies to control H5N1 bird flu are failing as the virus adapts to infect mammals, potentially increasing the risk of human transmission.

The H5N1 bird flu virus is now infecting a wider range of mammals, including cows, cats, seals, and minks, raising concerns about its ability to jump to humans.
A recent study led by The Pirbright Institute highlights that current defenses against a potential bird flu pandemic in humans are inadequate, particularly in the U.S.
The virus's ability to undergo genomic reassortment is making it highly adaptable and unpredictable, complicating control efforts.
The CDC reported a case in Missouri where a person contracted H5N1 without known exposure to infected animals, underscoring gaps in surveillance and testing.
Experts call for improved monitoring, better vaccine technologies, and enhanced data collection to prevent a potential human pandemic.