The bird flu alert is growing in the United States, with American scientist Eric Topol warning about the transmission of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza between cattle and poultry. Topol, who is the executive vice president of Scripps Research and founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, presented his research findings during a recent summit organized by the USDA, CDC, and FDA.
Cases of asymptomatic dairy cattle infected with H5N1 have been confirmed, raising concerns about the potential for an avian flu epidemic. Topol suggested that the antiviral drug Tamiflu could be effective in countering infections in humans, but preparations for mass production of H5N1 vaccines are also being considered.
Current candidate vaccines against H5N1 are in line with the virus’s sequence, and mRNA technology could allow for increased vaccine supply if needed. So far, only one dairy worker in Texas has been infected with avian flu, showing symptoms of conjunctivitis after direct contact with animals.
Routine tests on pigs, which could potentially serve as a bridge for the virus to humans, have been negative. The US is taking necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus to humans and is prepared to ramp up vaccine production if required.