Bird flu could become a human pandemic. How are countries preparing?

Countries are preparing for the potential of bird flu evolving into a human pandemic by ramping up surveillance, purchasing vaccines, and developing new ones. The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in cattle herds and farm workers in the United States, raising concerns about its potential to spread to humans. Efforts include risk assessments, outbreak predictions, and vaccine development using mRNA technology for quicker production. The World Health Organization is reviewing candidate vaccines, while countries like the US and Finland have started vaccinating high-risk individuals. Surveillance efforts involve tracking the virus's spread through increased testing in both animals and humans. Researchers are also monitoring genetic changes in the virus that could enhance its ability to infect humans. Efforts are being made to ensure an equitable global response, with a focus on vaccine distribution to low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, there are investigations into vaccinating cattle to reduce transmission, although challenges remain in developing effective vaccines for livestock.