As we deal with the unpredictable threat of H5N1 bird flu spreading, the growing outbreak—now affecting not just poultry but also livestock like dairy cows—raises serious concerns about the virus jumping between species, which could increase risks to human health. UTMB One Health researchers have been recently sharing their findings; some urging necessary updates to safety measures, and highlight the importance of a united approach to protect the health of people, animals, and the environment. Sources reported between March - May 2024.

The virus is poised to become a permanent presence in cattle, raising the odds of an eventual outbreak among 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. Source: The New York Times - How U.S. Farms Could Start a Bird Flu Pandemic

With underreported cases, health officials risk are slow to notice how contagious the H5N1 avian virus is becoming. Large surge of infections outside of farmworker communities can set off the government’s flu surveillance system, but it could be too late to contain. Source: NPR - Bird flu cases among farm workers may be going undetected, a study suggests