Breaking Down: Collapse Daily Episode 24 - Troubling new Bird Flu Discovery
Oct 9, 2025
Recent research reveals that cow udder cells can host both bird flu and human influenza simultaneously, raising concerns about potential pandemics. The discussion highlights how reassortment in mammals, especially pigs, elevates the risk of human transmission. With recent outbreaks resulting in massive poultry culls, the podcast urges vigilance against future pandemics. It reflects on lessons from COVID-19 and critiques the current state of public health preparedness, emphasizing the structural factors that heighten the danger of new viral threats.
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Pigs As A Historical Warning
- Corey recalls bird flu moving into pigs and why pigs are worrisome because of reassortment.
- He explains pigs' genetic similarity to humans makes them a classic mixing vessel for flu strains.
Cow Udders As Reassortment Sites
- Researchers found cow udder cells can host both avian and human influenza simultaneously.
- This co-infection raises the potential for gene reassortment that could create strains better adapted to humans.
Risk Grows With Every Infected Cow
- The presenter stresses the risk is low but increases with each additional infected cow.
- More infections raise the odds of a rare mutation producing a human-transmissible strain.