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Global Alert on Bird Flu: Rising Threat to Humans and Livestock

As bird flu spreads among mammals, experts fear potential human transmission, prompting increased surveillance and preparedness measures.

Livestock - Curious Holstein dairy cows feed on silage in a freestall barn at a large California dairy / San Joaquin Valley, California, USA. (Photo by: Ed Young /Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The US government announced new financial incentives for farms to test for and protect against H5N1 bird flu in dairy cattle.
Raul (Che) Pedroza Cedillo milks Holstein cows at Frank Konyn Dairy Inc., on April 16, 2020, in Escondido, California. - The farm is operated and owned by Frank and Stacy Konyn who are lifelong farmers, however, the Konyn's income has dropped 40 percent since the Coronavirus pandemic. The farm took a financial hit since the restaurants are not open but they have not let go of any employees since the cows still need to be fed, milked and provided with medical attention. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
FILE - Farm workers milk dairy cows in the milking parlor at the Welcome Stock Farms, Jan. 25, 2022, in Schuylerville, N.Y. New York officials gave final approval Wednesday, Feb. 22, for a measure that will lower the hourly threshold for when farm workers qualify for overtime pay. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink, File)

Overview

  • Recent cases of bird flu in mammals, including a Texas dairy worker, highlight the virus's potential to jump to humans.
  • U.S. government allocates nearly $100 million to safeguard beef and milk supplies amid growing concerns over H5N1.
  • Scientific research intensifies to predict bird flu's mutation and its ability to cause a human pandemic.
  • Global health organizations and governments stockpile vaccines and antivirals, preparing for possible outbreaks.
  • Public health officials emphasize the importance of cooking meat and pasteurizing milk to prevent transmission.