Stopping bird flu is urgent - for dairy, wildlife, poultry, pets and people

Authors: LOWEN, ANICE - Emory University; BOWMAN, ANDREW - The Ohio State University; RUNSTADLER, JONATHAN - Tufts University; Baker, Amy; GARCIA SASTRE, ADOLFO - Mount Sinai School Of Medicine; HENSLEY, SCOTT - University Of Pennsylvania; LAKDAWALA, SEEMA - Emory University; MONCLA, LOUISE - University Of Pennsylvania; NELSON, MARTHA - National Institutes Of Health (NIH); PEKOSZ, ANDREW - Johns Hopkins University; POULSON, REBECCA - University Of Georgia; PURYEAR, WENDY - Tufts University; SUTTON, TROY - Pennsylvania State University; TOMPKINS, MARK - University Of Georgia; WEBBY, RICHARD - St Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Submitted to: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/29/2025
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Bird flu is spreading across the United States like we’ve never seen before. Since 2022, wild birds have carried the highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus across the country, infecting dozens of species in their wake. The virus has repeatedly found its way into poultry flocks, has been circulating in dairy cattle since early 2024, and is spilling over into cats and humans with regularity. In the wild, carnivores and marine mammals are frequently infected, devastating some populations. We represent the Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR)1, a network of academic scientists funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health. A core mission of the CEIRR program is to respond to influenza outbreaks through research. Our network includes virologists, immunologists, clinicians, veterinarians, epidemiologists, computational biologists, and ecologists. We know a lot about bird flu and we want to make sure that affected communities understand the problem. Veterinarians are central to One Health and have important roles to play in getting the message out. H5N1 is rewriting the rules and, in so doing, presenting major challenges to the veterinary profession. Interested veterinarians may get involved more by working with their clients and researchers to understand transmission to veterinary hosts and exploring avenues to mitigate the impacts of continued H5N1 circulation. To reduce the One Health risk it presents, affected communities need to understand the problem and come together to enact the best solutions.