Bird Flu Warning: US Experts Fear Another Pandemic

Top US experts warn bird flu (H5N1) is spiraling “out of control,” with nearly 1,000 infected dairy herds and over 70 human cases, including the first US death in January. A Louisiana patient over 65, with health issues, died after contact with sick birds. Genetic analysis showed the virus had mutated in the body, likely worsening the illness.

The Global Virus Network (GVN) called for urgent action to prevent human spread and protect the poultry industry. Dr. Marc Johnson, a virologist, warned on X: “The virus is trying really hard to go pandemic.”

Experts are alarmed by the virus’s repeated spillover into mammals—including a world-first case in sheep in the UK. California has declared a state of emergency, identifying H5N1 in 645 herds, with nearly half detected in just one month.

Symptoms range from mild—“a cough, sore throat, runny nose”—to severe respiratory infections like pneumonia. Diagnosis requires lab testing from throat, nose, or eye swabs, ideally early in the illness.

Health authorities stress public education and faster testing to curb the threat. “It sure is getting a lot of opportunities,” Dr. Johnson added, warning the time to act is now.