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You won’t believe what these Federal Experts revealed about the Bird Flu at the live WebMD event!



Understanding Bird Flu Outbreaks: The Latest Updates and Insights

Preparing for the Next Outbreak: Insights from Experts

The Current Situation

As of May 16, 2024, multiple US agencies are actively working to contain the recent outbreak of bird flu among livestock to prevent further spread to humans. With only one reported case in early April, agencies are drawing on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to keep farmworkers and the general public safe.

Containment Efforts and Concerns

While agencies are optimistic about containing and extinguishing the bird flu outbreak, there are concerns about potential spread among dairy cattle and other animals. The possibility of the virus mutating to become more transmissible to humans is also on the radar, raising the specter of a new flu pandemic.

Expert Insights and Public Communication

Experts from federal agencies emphasize the importance of clear and transparent communication with the public. Dr. Nirav D. Shah from the CDC stresses the need to inform people about the risks, preventive measures, and safe practices to follow.

Key Recommendations from Federal Agencies

  • Stay informed through official sources like the CDC, FDA, USDA, and ASPR websites.
  • Avoid consuming raw or unpasteurized milk to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus.
  • Cook eggs thoroughly and rest assured that the beef supply remains virus-free.

Additional Insights on Bird Flu Preparedness

While the current focus is on containment and prevention efforts, it’s essential to delve deeper into the measures being taken to prepare for potential scenarios. Here are some unique insights and perspectives on bird flu outbreaks:

Advanced Testing and Protocols

The USDA’s proactive approach to testing livestock and ensuring they are free of the bird flu virus before crossing state borders showcases a robust surveillance system. By reimbursing farmers for veterinary care and loss of business, the government aims to support those affected by the outbreak.

Antiviral Preparedness

While vaccination is not currently recommended, federal scientists have the capacity to develop vaccines quickly if needed. Antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are available for treatment, demonstrating readiness to combat the virus effectively.

Monitoring and Response Strategies

Government agencies are actively monitoring emergency department visits, lab tests, and wastewater samples to detect any changes indicating an increased risk of a human pandemic. By staying vigilant and adaptive, they aim to stay ahead of the curve in addressing potential threats.

Stay Informed and Prepared

As the situation with bird flu evolves, it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest information. Keep an eye on the CDC website for valuable insights and recommendations on protecting yourself and your community.


Summary

Multiple US agencies are currently working to contain a recent outbreak of bird flu among livestock, with a focus on preventing further spread to humans. Experts emphasize transparent communication with the public and recommend staying informed through official channels like the CDC and FDA websites. While the threat to the general public remains low, proactive measures such as testing livestock and stockpiling antiviral drugs demonstrate preparedness for potential scenarios. By monitoring the situation closely and maintaining readiness to respond effectively, federal agencies aim to mitigate the risks associated with bird flu outbreaks.

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May 16, 2024 – Multiple US agencies are working to contain the recent outbreak of bird flu among livestock to prevent further spread to humans (beyond one case reported in early April) and use what we learned earlier, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. to keep farmworkers and the general public safe.

With his fingers crossed, the bird flu It will be contained and extinguished. Or the outbreak could continue to spread among dairy cattle and other animals, threatening the health and livelihoods of farmers and other people who work with livestock.

Or the virus could change in ways that make it easier to infect and spread between people. If this happens, the worst case scenario could be a new flu pandemic.

With so many unknowns, WebMD brought together experts from four federal agencies to talk about prevention, monitoring and what the “what ifs” of bird flu might look like.

Communicating with the public “about what we know, what we don’t know, and ways you and your family can stay safe is a priority for us at CDC,” said Nirav D. Shah, MD, JD, principal deputy director. from the CDC. . “We, at the federal level, are responding and we want the public to follow us.”

People should check the websites of the CDC, FDA, US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Strategic Preparedness and Response Administration (ASPR) for updates.

It is essential to not only stay informed but also seek out reliable sources of information, Shah said during “Bird Flu 2024 – What You Need to Know,” an online briefing jointly sponsored by the CDC and WebMD.

An ‘experimental burger’

If one conclusion that emerged from the event was that the threat to the general public remains low.

The retail milk supply is safe, although consuming raw or unpasteurized milk is not recommended. “While the commercial milk supply is safe, we strongly discourage the consumption of raw milk,” said Donald A. Prater, DVM, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

As for other foods, well-cooked eggs are less risky than raw eggs, and the country’s beef supply also remains free of the virus.

For years, federal inspectors have purchased and tested meat at retail stores, said Eric Deeble, DVM, USDA deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Congressional Relations. So far, H5N1, the virus responsible for bird flu, has not been detected in beef.

The USDA took the testing a step further and recently cooked ground beef from dairy cows in its laboratory. Using what Deeble described as an “experimental hamburger,” the agency demonstrated that cooking beef to 165 F or higher kills the virus if ever necessary.

The federal government now requires that all livestock be tested and free of bird flu virus before crossing any state border. The government is also reimbursing farmers for veterinary care and loss of business related to the outbreak, and provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and face shields to workers.

Vaccination not recommended now

Federal scientists know enough about the H5N1 virus to quickly create vaccines against it if the need arises. Right now it’s more about planning ahead. “Vaccines are not part of our response at this time,” said David Boucher, PhD, director of infectious disease preparedness and response at the Strategic Preparedness and Response Administration.

If the virus changes and becomes a greater threat to people, “we have the building blocks to produce a vaccine,” Boucher added.

An attendee at the event asked if the seasonal flu vaccine offers any protection. “Unfortunately, the flu vaccine you received last year does not provide much protection against bird flu,” Shah responded. “It may help a little… but that’s the seasonal flu vaccine. “This is something newer.”

Treatments stored and ready

Antiviral drugs, which if given early in the course of bird flu infection could shorten the severity or duration of illness, are now available, Shah said. The dairy farmer that he was infected with bird flu earlier this year he responded to Treatment with oseltamivir (Tamiflu)For example.

When it comes to bird flu symptoms, it’s interesting that the only infected person reported so far this year developed conjunctivitis, also known as conjunctivitis, Shah said. Officials would have expected to see more typical seasonal flu symptomshe added.

“Influenza is not a new virus,” Boucher said. “With this strain of influenza, we do not see any genetic markers associated with resistance to antivirals. “That means the antivirals we take for seasonal flu would also be available if needed to treat H5N1.”

ASPR has stockpiled Tamiflu and three other antivirals. “We have tens of millions of courses that we can distribute across the country if we need them,” he added.

“Influenza is an enemy we know well,” Boucher said. That is why “we have antivirals ready to use now and many types of PPE.”

Science in action

The feds intend to pursue the case. They will continue to monitor emergency department visits, lab test orders, and wastewater samples for any changes that suggest the risk of a human pandemic is increasing.

“Although we’ve learned a lot, there’s still a lot we don’t know,” Deeble said.

Shah added: “As with any outbreak, this is an evolving situation and things can change. What you are seeing now is science in action.”

For the latest updates on bird flu in the United States, visit the CDC website. H5N1 avian flu: summary of the current situation website.

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