Scientists tracking the spread of bird flu are increasingly concerned that gaps in surveillance may keep them several steps behind a new pandemic, according to Reuters interviews with more than a dozen leading disease experts.

Many of them have been monitoring the new subtype of H5N1 avian flu in migratory birds since 2020. But the spread of the virus to 129 dairy herds in 12 U.S. states, opens new tab signals a change that could bring it closer to becoming transmissible between humans. Infections also have been found in other mammals, from alpacas to house cats.

“It almost seems like a pandemic unfolding in slow motion,” said Scott Hensley, a professor of microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania. “Right now, the threat is pretty low … but that could change in a heartbeat.” The earlier the warning of a jump to humans, the sooner global health officials can take steps to protect people by launching vaccine development, wide-scale testing and containment measures.

  • EatATaco@lemm.eeEnglish
    1·
    6 months ago

    I’m not attacking you, I’m offering you up a respite for your mental health. We all need it sometimes.

    • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
      21·
      6 months ago

      I do not believe for one second after all of the previous times you’ve treated me like shit that this comes from a place of genuine concern?

      Also, because I’m not a religious person, I listen to mental health advice from doctors. Where did you get your psychology degree from?

      • EatATaco@lemm.eeEnglish
        12·
        6 months ago

        I have lots of reasons that I am critical about how you use your intelligence, but I assure you I hold no ill will towards you.

        Where did you get your psychology degree from?

        Nowhere, which is why I linked to a Harvard website.

        • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
          21·
          6 months ago

          I assure you I hold no ill will towards you.

          Sorry, you’ve proven otherwise.

          Nowhere, which is why I linked to a Harvard website.

          Then keep your mental health advice to yourself. I have no interest in it. This should be your cue to go away and not give me advice I didn’t want.

          In fact, if I ever want your advice on anything, I’ll let you know.

          Otherwise, my reaction from now on will just be to repeatedly tell you to go away and stop harassing me.

          • EatATaco@lemm.eeEnglish
            12·
            6 months ago

            Sorry, you’ve proven otherwise.

            If you feel that way, then I’m sorry for giving the wrong impression. But I assure you it’s not the case.

            Otherwise, my reaction from now on will just be to repeatedly tell you to go away and stop harassing me.

            The better way to get me to stop responding to you is to simply not respond to me; I’m not going to respond to the same post over and over again until you respond. If we are having a back-and-forth, I would hardly call that “harassment.”