Science Friday Could bird flu still spark a pandemic?
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Mar 25, 2026 Dr. Seema Lakdawala, co-director of the Center for Transmission of Airborne Pathogens and an Emory professor who studies airborne virus spread at animal–human interfaces. She covers ongoing H5N1 circulation in birds and farms. She discusses limits of surveillance and on-farm air and manure as viral sources. She talks about marine mammal infections, vaccine choices for livestock, and practical precautions like avoiding dead birds and raw milk.
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Bird Flu Is Still Widespread
- H5N1 remains widespread despite reduced news coverage and continues circulating in backyard poultry, farms, and migratory birds.
- States are still culling millions of birds and detections persist, so lower reporting doesn't equal disappearance.
Cattle Infections Often Asymptomatic Now
- Testing has shifted away from cattle surveillance so asymptomatic infected cows may be missed.
- Milk testing flagged outbreaks (e.g., Wisconsin) but many cows now show milder or no clinical signs while potentially shedding virus.
Get Tested If Exposed Despite Mild Symptoms
- Don't assume mild respiratory symptoms are only seasonal flu; seek testing if exposed to poultry or dairy animals.
- Many agricultural workers may dismiss mild illness and never get tested, so exposure history matters.