H5N1: What do we know so far?

Cases of the H5N1 strain of avian flu have been reported in US dairy cattle since March 2024. As we have seen avian influenza (or “bird flu”) has the ability to be transmitted from birds to mammals such as cows and humans. We know that this strain of avian flu is transmittable to humans; in April 2024 a case was reported in a dairy farm worker who had been in contact with infected cattle. This begs the question, how concerned should we be about future spread of H5N1 from animals to humans? And how does the risk of infection vary for farmers compared to the general population? Based on experience with other strains of avian flu, how do experts foresee this strain potentially evolving? Join the Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases for a discussion with experts in epidemiology, infectious diseases, and veterinary medicine as we unpack these questions and more. Featuring: Nahid Bhadelia, MD, MALD John Connor, PhD Kayoko Shioda, PhD, DVM, MPH Alessandro Vespignani, PhD