This chapter delves into the USDA's struggles with the bird flu outbreak, highlighting the importance of sequencing viruses for tracking mutations. It explores concerns about potential cross-species transmission to cattle and the risk of a pandemic through intermediary hosts like pigs, emphasizing the difficulties in developing vaccines against rapidly evolving influenza viruses.
As bird flu is confirmed in 33 cattle herds across eight US states, Ian Sample talks to virologist Dr Ed Hutchinson of Glasgow University about why this development has taken scientists by surprise, and how prepared we are for the possibility it might start spreading among humans. Help support our independent journalism at
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