US Faces Escalating Bird Flu Threat as Virus Spreads to Dairy Cattle

Experts criticize delayed response to H5N1 outbreak, which has now infected cattle, poultry, and humans in the United States.

The H5N1 bird flu virus has spread to all 50 states, affecting over 100 million birds and nearly 1,000 dairy herds, with 66 human infections reported so far.
A Louisiana man recently became the first confirmed US death from H5N1, raising concerns about the virus's potential to adapt to human transmission.
Experts argue that earlier interventions, such as culling infected herds and restricting animal movement, could have limited the outbreak's scope.
The CDC and USDA have faced criticism over insufficient testing, surveillance, and protective measures for farmworkers, many of whom are undocumented and distrustful of authorities.
While the US has stockpiled H5N1 vaccines, their efficacy remains uncertain, and experts warn of challenges in equitable distribution and overcoming vaccine hesitancy.