Bird Flu Spreads to Cattle, Infects 64 People 

H5N1 can become a worldwide health emergency which requires urgent prevention efforts alongside ongoing surveillance to avoid its spread. 

United States: Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte discovered concerning developments in H5N1 bird flu virus. The research findings demonstrate how the virus acquires improved abilities to infect mammals which presents a major concern about human infection risk, as reported by HealthDay. 

A recent eBioMedicine journal publication shows genetic mutations within the virus encourage its development among new species like cattle and human patients who number at least 64 per U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) records. 

Older Vaccines May Be Less Effective 

Lead researcher Colby Ford warned that current vaccines, which were developed for earlier strains, may not be as effective against the evolving H5N1 virus. “An H5N1 vaccine made for an earlier strain will have less efficacy,” Ford explained. The mutations in the virus make it harder for the immune system to recognize and fight off infection. 

AI Offers Critical Insight into Spread 

The research team used artificial intelligence tools to process vast datasets, including over 1,800 virus-antibody interactions, allowing them to quickly track how the virus is changing. Dan Janies, co-director of the CIPHER center, emphasized the importance of these tools in staying ahead of fast-moving threats: 

“AI allows us to assess our preparedness for threats like H5N1, which is spreading to new hosts like American cattle and even farm workers.” 

Wildlife Pandemic Expands to Larger Animals 

The transmission of H5N1 has infected wild birds and small mammals on a widespread scale which scientists have deemed as an event of animal pandemic status. The virus now shows worse behavior by infecting large animals like cattle which indicates it has passed through species boundaries. 

Key Genetic Shift Enhances Immune Evasion 

According to research scientists found that the virus evolved through a genetic alteration in its hemagglutinin (HA) protein responsible for both entry into cells and immune system masking abilities. The change in virus genetics enables the virus to transfer more swiftly between mammals while simultaneously defeating current immune defense mechanisms. 

Scientists Urge Vigilance and Preparedness 

Scientists emphasize both proactive planning and constant observation since the virus continues to change rapidly, as reported by HealthDay. 

“Our goal is to predict the potential health impacts of H5N1 before a major event catches us off guard,” said Janies.