Front Burner Bird flu is spreading faster. Should we worry?
Feb 14, 2025
Nicholas Florko, a staff writer with The Atlantic, shares his insights on the swift spread of bird flu in North America. He discusses the first confirmed human case in Canada and the alarming number of infections in the U.S. Florko highlights the impact on poultry industries, leading to the culling of millions of birds and rising egg prices. He raises concerns about the virus's potential to mutate and the importance of proactive measures in public health. The emotional challenges faced by farmers and the need for better testing on farms are also explored.
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Bird Flu's Emergence
- Bird flu, specifically H5N1, has existed for decades but became a concern in the US in 2022.
- It spread to wild birds, domestic poultry, and dairy cows, raising pandemic worries.
Transmission to Humans
- Bird flu spreads through mucus, saliva, and feces of infected birds, potentially infecting humans without protection.
- In cows, transmission to humans is theorized to occur through raw, unpasteurized milk.
Milk Safety
- Pasteurization prevents bird flu spread through grocery store milk, so it's safe to drink.
- Avoid raw, unpasteurized milk to minimize risk.