Bird flu is less scary than we feared. But we're not working to control it.

The emergence of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. has raised concerns about a potential pandemic, yet the country lacks a comprehensive response plan. Since the virus was first detected in mammals in 2022, including seals and mink, outbreaks have spread to American dairy farms, with the first human case reported in April 2024. Despite the severity of the situation, the U.S. has not implemented effective monitoring or vaccination strategies, unlike European countries that are proactively vaccinating at-risk workers. The CDC has been criticized for its slow response and inadequate testing, with only a small number of individuals tested for the virus. While the current human cases appear less severe than initially feared, experts warn that the risk of mutation and increased transmissibility remains. The situation is exacerbated by a general indifference to public health measures following the COVID-19 pandemic, with many states enacting laws that limit health officials' ability to respond to future outbreaks. This growing apathy towards health risks could hinder efforts to control the spread of H5N1, which has already affected over 100 million birds in the U.S. The article emphasizes the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent a potential bird flu pandemic.

- The U.S. lacks a comprehensive response plan for H5N1 bird flu despite its spread.

- European countries are actively vaccinating at-risk workers, while the U.S. has not distributed available vaccines.

- The CDC's slow response and limited testing raise concerns about monitoring the virus's spread.

- Current human cases of H5N1 are less severe than feared, but mutation risks remain.

- Indifference to public health measures post-COVID-19 could hinder future outbreak responses.