Science Weekly
From birds, to cattle, to … us? Could bird flu be the next pandemic?
Apr 25, 2024
Dr Ed Hutchinson, Virologist at Glasgow University, discusses the unexpected emergence of bird flu in Texas cattle, the risks of cross-species transmission to humans, challenges in tracking mutations, and the importance of preparedness for a potential flu pandemic.
15:05
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Cows as unexpected hosts for bird flu virus raises concerns among experts.
- Detection of H5N1 in cow milk highlights potential impact on food supply and public health.
Deep dives
Unexpected Spread of Bird Flu to Cows in the US
The unexpected spread of bird flu to dairy cows in the US has raised significant concerns among virologists and experts. This occurrence was surprising as cows were not considered a typical host for influenza A viruses. The virus has been detected in 33 herds across eight states, suggesting potential long-term spreading. Experts are closely monitoring the situation and investigating how the virus is circulating among cows and potentially into humans.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
