H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads, Raising Pandemic Fears

Global health experts warn of the escalating threat from H5N1 avian flu, which has spread to all 50 U.S. states, affecting over 1,000 dairy cow herds and resulting in more than 70 human infections and at least one death worldwide. The Global Virus Network, representing virologists from over 40 countries, highlights the risk that continued outbreaks in cows, poultry, wild animals, and pigs could lead to mutations enabling human-to-human transmission. The CDC maintains that current risk to the general U.S. public is low but urges vigilance and preventive action. Experts recommend enhanced surveillance, rapid testing, protection for frontline workers, accelerated vaccine development, and public education on safe animal product handling. The outbreak has devastated the poultry industry, with over 168 million birds culled and significant increases in egg prices. Authorities emphasize the need for global collaboration and proactive measures to avert a potential pandemic.