Prof. Michael Osterholm discusses bird flu in US dairy cows, its potential to spread to humans, and the risks of consumption. Insights on virus evolution, cross-species transmission, outbreak detection challenges, and precautions for the public. Emphasis on pandemic preparedness and surveillance in farm animals.

Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert from the University of Minnesota, joins health politics reporter Dan Diamond and vaccine specialist Dr. Haley Gans from Stanford. They dive into the troubling low vaccination rates as flu season approaches, discussing the critical need for community efforts. The guests explore the increasing vaccine hesitancy influenced by mixed messages around COVID-19 and potential health policies under the incoming Trump administration, raising concerns over misinformation and public health risks.

Dr. Michael Osterholm, a renowned expert in infectious disease epidemiology, dives into the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the impact of misinformation and highlights how COVID-19 variants, especially in wildlife, complicate management efforts. Osterholm explores the origins of SARS-CoV, emphasizing the need for transparency in research. He also examines long COVID, health disparities tied to vitamin D, and the role of barbershops in community health education. The conversation underscores the importance of humility in public health communication.