Official announcements from relevant U.S. government agencies

H5N1 Bird Flu Sparks Concerns Over Mammal Spread, Trump Administration Readiness

Jan 2, 2025, 03:00 AM

The H5N1 bird flu virus is raising public health concerns due to its increasing spread among mammals, including cats, cows, and pigs, and its potential to mutate into a form transmissible between humans. Over 60 human cases have been reported in the U.S. since April 2024, with California declaring a state of emergency due to outbreaks in dairy cows. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the risk of human-to-human transmission remains low, experts warn that the virus is only a genetic mutation away from becoming a significant threat. The World Health Organization estimates the case fatality rate of bird flu at over 50%, though this rate may vary depending on the strain and healthcare access. Concerns have been raised about the preparedness of the incoming Trump administration, particularly under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to address a potential public health emergency. The U.S. government has stockpiled vaccines, antivirals, and personal protective equipment, but experts argue that more rapid vaccine development and improved surveillance are needed. The CDC advises the public, especially high-risk groups like farmworkers, to get seasonal flu vaccines to reduce the risk of co-infection with bird flu. Additionally, scientists are exploring natural compounds as potential treatments for avian influenza, though synthetic drugs remain the primary focus. Concerns have also been raised about the safety of raw milk, as bird flu has been detected in some dairy products.