"How U.S. Farms Could Start a Bird Flu Pandemic"

"The virus is poised to become a permanent presence in cattle, raising the odds of an eventual outbreak among people."

"Without a sharp pivot in state and federal policies, the bird flu virus that has bedeviled American farms is likely to find a firm foothold among dairy cattle, scientists are warning.

And that means bird flu may soon pose a permanent threat to other animals and to people.

So far, this virus, H5N1, does not easily infect humans, and the risk to the public remains low. But the longer the virus circulates in cattle, the more chances it gains to acquire the mutations necessary to set off an influenza pandemic.

“I think the window is closing on our ability to contain the outbreak,” said Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious-disease physician who worked at the World Health Organization until April.

“We’re so quick to blame China for what happened with SARS-CoV-2, but we’re not doing any better right now,” she added. “That’s how pandemics happen.”"

Apoorva Mandavilli reports for the New York Times August 21, 2024.

SEE ALSO:

"US To Survey Dairy Cattle Brought To Slaughter To Study Bird Flu Infections" (Guardian)

"Bird Flu Is Infecting Pet Cats. Here’s What You Need to Know" (Scientific American)

"State Fair Of Texas To Test Cattle For Bird Flu Amid Multistate Outbreak" (WFAA)