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The speaker discusses the spread of bird flu and the potential for mass culling of poultry. They mention the development of bird flu vaccines and the possibility of human-to-human transmission. The conversation also touches on the lack of human trials for vaccines and the FDA's approval process based on preclinical data. The focus is on the need for vaccination, particularly for farm workers.

In 2024, the H5N1 bird flu virus jumped from wild birds to cows, shocking virus experts. The virus has since spread rapidly through US dairy herds and poultry flocks, infecting other mammals, including 70 Americans, one of whom died. Some experts claim the Biden administration was slow to respond, while the Trump administration laid off over 100 scientists. The virus spreads easily via milking equipment, and workers have also become infected. Experts fear the virus's pandemic potential, especially given its high mortality rate in past outbreaks. Testing was slow to start, and some states still test infrequently. A new strain in cattle has led to more severe disease in some people. The virus has spread to foxes, goats, pigs, rats, cats, and raccoons. Antibody tests on dairy workers revealed a 7% infection rate, suggesting many cases go undetected. Experts are concerned that the virus could evolve into a pandemic strain. A bird flu vaccine exists but isn't FDA-licensed, and the Trump administration paused funding for Moderna's vaccine. The USDA's milk testing program has helped slow the spread, but distrust of science and vaccines hinders prevention efforts. Some scientists claim the CDC influenza division has been decimated and that a communications ban has been put on federal workers.

Not many people in Canada have immunity to the infection, which shows that they have done a great job in preventing its spread. This lack of immunity is due to the low number of natural infections.

The call aims to unite four public health agencies to discuss the current situation regarding HPAI, particularly H5N1, and to share lessons learned about surveillance and epidemiology. CFIA presented their enhanced poultry surveillance plans, including efforts related to cattle and milk. The UK Health Security Agency shared insights from their asymptomatic human surveillance pilot. Don Sheppard emphasized the need for developing an assay for H5N1 to prepare for potential positive test results. He highlighted the challenges in determining the appropriate populations and techniques for serosurveillance, including the lack of serum samples from humans or cattle with H5N1. Ongoing discussions and work are focused on protocol development to ensure readiness for any developments in the situation.

Jessica Hopkins from Public Health Ontario asked about plans for active surveillance in humans if there is a positive test for milk. The response mentioned developing enhanced surveillance protocols for farms, including baseline testing on pigs and birds. However, challenges were noted in implementing this plan due to sensitivities around farm access and testing migrant workers.

The Biden administration should prioritize two key actions regarding bird flu. First, they need to increase testing availability, especially rapid home tests for farm workers and their families, to ensure we are aware of the virus's presence. Second, there is an existing vaccine for H5N1 that has not yet been authorized by the FDA. The administration should expedite this process to distribute the vaccine to farm workers and vulnerable populations. The urgency is heightened by uncertainty about future actions from the Trump administration, which could affect testing and vaccine authorization. Bird flu has a high mortality rate, particularly in vulnerable groups, making it crucial to prevent its spread and mutations.

Eve inquired about the testing of pasteurized versus unpasteurized milk, highlighting a gap in data regarding unpasteurized samples. Jessica asked if there’s a plan for active human surveillance if milk tests positive. The response indicated that protocols for enhanced surveillance are being developed, focusing on farms and potentially involving pigs and avian species. There are sensitivities around farm access and communication with farmers, especially concerning undocumented workers. The BC team discussed ongoing challenges with communication and information sharing from CFIA, which complicates connections with farm families. They emphasized the need for better coordination among agencies and established protocols for notifications regarding poultry detections.

We need to pay attention to several emerging health threats. Starting January 21st, H5N1 is spreading among wild birds and poultry in the western U.S., with sporadic human cases reported. There's a risk of human-to-human transmission. Additionally, a new coronavirus may be developing in Asia, and mosquito-borne viruses like dengue and Zika could return along the Gulf Coast. Vaccine-preventable diseases are also on the rise due to anti-vaccine sentiments, with a fivefold increase in whooping cough cases and multiple measles outbreaks this year. Polio has been detected in New York's wastewater. A strong response team is essential to address these challenges effectively.

Concerns about agricultural health issues are not widely recognized among the general population in Canada, particularly in Quebec. While agricultural stakeholders are aware, public interest remains low. However, a potential discovery of positive milk samples could rapidly change this perception, similar to trends seen in the U.S. Coordination between agricultural and health authorities is essential, and establishing a formal national table for communication is suggested. There is a need for a proactive communication strategy, especially in regions like British Columbia, where past outbreaks have heightened awareness. Discussions should also address unpasteurized products and the implications for animal health, including potential risks to pets. Overall, the focus should be on preparedness and collaboration across agencies.

Jessica Hopkins from Public Health Ontario asked about plans for active surveillance in humans if there is a positive test for milk. The response mentioned ongoing work on enhanced surveillance protocols to be implemented on farms with positive cases. Challenges include logistical issues and sensitivities around testing on farms, such as dealing with undocumented or migrant workers.

The transmission of avian bird flu from animals to humans is rare. We should allow farms with chickens and cows to develop natural immunity, as they are constantly being reinfected by migratory mallard ducks and waterfowl. The practice of culling is not effective.

The Biden administration should focus on two key actions regarding bird flu. First, they need to increase testing availability, providing rapid home tests to farm workers and their families, rather than relying solely on public labs. Second, they should expedite the FDA authorization of an already developed vaccine for H5N1, as nearly 5 million doses are ready for distribution. This is crucial, especially considering the potential for the incoming administration to adopt anti-vaccine stances, which could hinder both testing and vaccination efforts. The World Health Organization indicates that bird flu has a high mortality rate, particularly concerning for vulnerable populations. Therefore, proactive measures are essential to prevent further spread and mutations of the virus.

Every province and territory in Canada had pandemic plans similar to Alberta's. The Government of Canada's plan supported the provincial ones. In 2005, the WHO studied 15 NPIs. I helped redesign Alberta's plan in 2005 to focus on NPIs. Plans are updated every 10 years; Alberta's was in 2014.

In 2024, the H5N1 bird flu virus jumped from wild birds to cows, shocking virus experts. The virus has since spread rapidly through US dairy herds and poultry, infecting other mammals, including 70 Americans, one of whom died. Some experts claim the Biden administration was slow to respond, while the Trump administration laid off scientists. The virus spreads easily and lingers on milking equipment, infecting workers. Experts fear the virus's pandemic potential, citing its high mortality rate in past outbreaks. Testing was slow to start, and some states still test infrequently. A new strain in cattle has led to more severe disease in some people. The virus has spread to foxes, goats, pigs, rats, cats, and raccoons. Some studies suggest many human cases go undetected. Experts worry that the virus could evolve into a pandemic strain. A bird flu vaccine exists but is not FDA-licensed, and the Trump administration paused funding for Moderna's vaccine. The USDA's milk testing program has helped slow the spread, but distrust of science and vaccines hinders prevention efforts.

All countries experiencing H5 outbreaks in animals are urged to share viral samples and sequences with the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRIS).

The call brought together public health agencies to discuss HPAI H5N1 surveillance and research. CFIA presented enhanced poultry surveillance plans, while the UK Health Security Agency shared their asymptomatic human surveillance pilot. Don Sheppard from PHAC emphasized the need for developing an assay for H5N1 testing. Discussions revolved around the extent of surveillance, target populations, and assay validation challenges due to limited serum samples. Protocol development is underway to prepare for potential positive test results.

Mammals, including minks, otters, foxes, and sea lions, have been infected with H5N1 avian influenza. WHO is monitoring closely as the virus spreads from wild birds and poultry. The risk to humans is currently low, but we must be prepared for any changes. WHO is working with national authorities and partners to study human cases and ensure vaccine and antiviral supplies are available globally. Translation (if needed): Mammals like minks, otters, foxes, and sea lions have caught H5N1 avian flu. WHO is watching closely as it spreads from birds and poultry. The risk to people is low, but we need to be ready for any changes. WHO is collaborating with countries and partners to research human cases and ensure vaccines and antivirals are ready worldwide.

The concerning issue is that the virus can infect multiple species, including pigs, which are often in close proximity to chickens and cows. This interaction raises the risk of a reassortment of viruses, potentially creating a new strain that combines the dangerous traits of H5N1 with the ability to spread between humans. Public health officials are particularly worried about this possibility due to the mixing of viruses in pigs. Although the current risk is considered low, the CDC emphasizes the need for vigilance as the situation could change.

The head of public health in Canada has been giving press conferences stating that the risk to Canadians is very low. The surveillance system is working as it should, detecting incoming cases and treating them appropriately. Information is being shared rapidly with other jurisdictions in Canada, allowing for a rapid response and containment of the disease spread. The risk remains low. People can protect their health by washing their hands, practicing good hygiene, and getting their flu shot, whether it's from coronavirus or the flu.

I am Don Shepherd, VP of Infectious Diseases and Vaccination Programs. We are discussing testing for H5N1. There are questions about which populations to test, what methods to use, and whether to use molecular or serosurveillance techniques. There are challenges in validating assays due to limited serum samples. In the US, testing on dairy and beef cattle has been negative. Plans include testing asymptomatic cows and commercial milk samples. Wastewater testing is considered, but distinguishing between avian and bovine strains is difficult. We need to be prepared for positive results before deciding on implementation.

We need to be concerned about several emerging health threats starting January 21st. H5N1 is spreading among wild birds and poultry in the western U.S., with sporadic human cases reported. There's potential for human-to-human transmission. Additionally, a new coronavirus may be developing in Asia, following the patterns of SARS and COVID-19. Mosquito-borne viruses like dengue, Zika, and possibly yellow fever are expected to resurge along the Gulf Coast. Vaccine-preventable diseases are also on the rise, with a fivefold increase in whooping cough cases and multiple measles outbreaks this year. Polio has been detected in New York's wastewater. A strong response team will be crucial to manage these challenges effectively.

All provinces and territories in Canada had pandemic plans similar to Alberta's. The WHO studied NPIs in 2005, leading to a redesign of Alberta's plan. Plans are updated every 10 years, with Alberta's revised in 2006 and 2014. The speaker believes all plans were discarded.

The call brought together public health agencies to discuss the HPAI H5N1 trajectory, focusing on enhanced surveillance and scientific efforts. CFIA presented enhanced poultry surveillance plans, while the UK Health Security Agency discussed their asymptomatic human surveillance pilot. PHAC emphasized the need to develop an assay for H5N1 testing. Technical questions remain about assay validation and population testing techniques. Work is ongoing to address these challenges and ensure preparedness for potential positive cases.

Researchers have been working on making bird flu more contagious for humans through gain of function research. The virus mainly infects chickens and sometimes cattle. Chinese vaccination efforts in the 90s may have worsened the situation. The current strain, H5N1 avian influenza, has caused around 800-900 human cases with a high mortality rate in Southeast Asia. Recent US cases were easily treated. The virus is not a significant threat unless it starts spreading human to human. The recent strain may have originated from experiments on mallard ducks in Georgia, leading to its spread across states. The media has not questioned this spread caused by migratory waterfowl.

We need to be concerned about several emerging health threats. Starting January 21st, H5N1 is spreading among wild birds in the western U.S. and has reached poultry, with sporadic human cases reported. There's potential for human-to-human transmission. Additionally, a new coronavirus may be developing in Asia, following previous outbreaks like SARS and COVID-19. Mosquito-borne viruses, such as dengue and possibly Zika, are expected to return along the Gulf Coast. Vaccine-preventable diseases are rising due to anti-vaccine sentiments, with a fivefold increase in whooping cough cases and multiple measles outbreaks. Polio has also been detected in New York's wastewater. A strong response team will be essential to manage these challenges effectively.