Dr. Catherine Conlon discusses the potential threat of a bird flu pandemic, with virologist Robert Redfield predicting a high mortality rate of 25-50%. The flu strain H5N1 has caused deaths worldwide, primarily through direct contact with infected birds. The virus has been detected in cattle herds in the US, raising concerns about human-to-human transmission. Researchers are monitoring mutations that could facilitate this transmission, which would be a major global health concern. Authorities are implementing strategies to prevent the virus from crossing into the human population, with vaccination programs for high-risk groups. The European Medicines Agency is overseeing the evaluation of vaccines and treatments for both birds and humans.
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Will bird flu be the next pandemic and are we better prepared?
