WHO chief scientist calls for increased monitoring and preparation for highly pathogenic bird flu

• The WHO chief scientist warns of the significant threat posed by bird flu spreading among US cattle, stressing the importance of heightened tracking and readiness.
• While the H5N1 flu strain has historically affected birds, recent cases in mammals, including cows, raise concerns about its potential to evolve and infect humans.
• The primary concern is the virus's ability to develop human-to-human transmission, prompting the need for immediate access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.
• Although human cases of H5N1 are rare, their severity underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and preparedness efforts.
• Despite the current low public health risk, ongoing surveillance by agencies like the CDC remains essential, with the development of a candidate vaccine virus as a precautionary measure.