The Briefing Room

Avian flu is evolving but what risk does it pose to us?

May 16, 2024

David Aaronovitch and experts delve into the spread of avian flu H5N1 to cows in the US, discussing risks, mutation pathways to humans, pandemic potential, surveillance in cattle, and the search for Scorpion in a smuggling gang.

28:34

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Episode guests

David Aaronovitch

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Quick takeaways

Avian flu viruses like H5N1 mutate to adapt to new hosts, increasing virulence.

H5N1 originated in Chinese poultry markets, spreading to mammals via genetic mutations.

Deep dives

Origins and Evolution of Avian Flu Virus H5N1

Avian flu viruses like H5N1, which have origins in bird populations, adapt to different hosts including mammals through mutations. These mutations enable the virus to be more virulent in the new hosts. The segmented nature of flu viruses allows for mixing of genetic material, potentially leading to new variants better suited for mammalian hosts.

Introduction

2min

The Evolution of Bird Flu to Human Pandemics

16min

Virus Adaptation and Pandemic Potential

4min

Analyzing the Threat of H5N1 Pandemic and Public Health Responsibility

2min

Influenza Infection in Dairy Cattle: Surveillance and Preparedness

4min

Monitoring Influenza Strains and Search for Scorpion

2min

The H5N1 strain of avian flu isn't new. It was discovered in China in 1996. But in recent years it's started passing from mammal to mammal and it's now rife on cattle farms in the United States. How much should humans worry?

David Aaronovitch speaks to:

Professor Wendy Barclay, action medical research chair in virology at Imperial College London Kai Kupferschmidt, science journalist and molecular biologist Dr Caitlin Rivers, epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Professor Ian Brown, avian virology group at The Pirbright Institute

Production team: Sally Abrahams, Kirsteen Knight and Ben Carter Editors: Richard Vadon and Emma Rippon Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman Sound engineers: Rod Farquhar

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The Briefing Room

Avian flu is evolving but what risk does it pose to us?

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Origins and Evolution of Avian Flu Virus H5N1

History and Impact of Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu H5N1

Detection and Spread of Avian Flu in American Cattle

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts