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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.