Bird flu could become a human pandemic. How are countries preparing?
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02237-4
As bird flu cases rise in cattle across the U.S., countries are gearing up for the potential spread to humans. Surveillance and vaccine efforts are intensifying. Experts warn that a single mutation could turn the avian influenza H5N1 into a pandemic threat. The virus, detected in 145 cattle herds and four farm workers in the U.S., spreads primarily through contaminated milking equipment. The concern is its possible evolution to infect mammals more effectively, posing a significant risk due to the close contact between cows and people. Nations are preparing through risk assessments and modelling, with a strong focus on vaccine development. Existing vaccines, though slow to produce, are being stockpiled, while new mRNA vaccines promise quicker responses. International efforts aim to ensure equitable vaccine distribution, avoiding the pitfalls seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.