https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/bird_flu/ Bird Flu news. Read current news and research on risks of a bird flu pandemic, responses, medication and vaccines. Everything on H5N1, the avian flu virus. en-us Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:22:49 EDT Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:22:49 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/bird_flu/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092258.htm Scientists at Stanford Medicine have unveiled a bold new kind of “universal” vaccine that could one day protect against everything from COVID-19 and the flu to bacterial pneumonia and even common allergens. Instead of targeting a specific virus or bacterium, the nasal spray vaccine supercharges the lungs’ own immune defenses, keeping them on high alert for months. In mice, it slashed viral levels, prevented severe illness, and even blocked allergic reactions. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:45:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092258.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092906.htm New simulations reveal that both H1N1 and COVID-19 spread across U.S. cities in a matter of weeks, often before officials realized what was happening. Major travel hubs helped drive rapid nationwide transmission, with air travel playing a bigger role than daily commuting. Unpredictable transmission patterns made real-time forecasting especially difficult. The study highlights why early detection systems are critical for slowing future pandemics. Sat, 07 Feb 2026 10:02:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092906.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114343.htm As bird flu continues to circulate in animals and spill over into humans, researchers are racing to stop it before it adapts to spread widely between people. A new nasal spray vaccine showed strong protection against H5N1 in animal tests, outperforming traditional flu shots. Because it targets the nose and lungs, it may prevent infection at the earliest stage. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:43:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114343.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251203004721.htm A unique vaccine rollout in Wales gave researchers an accidental natural experiment that revealed a striking reduction in dementia among seniors who received the shingles vaccine. The protective effect held steady across multiple analyses and was even stronger in women. Evidence also suggests benefits for people who already have dementia, hinting at a therapeutic effect. Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:22:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251203004721.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251128050503.htm Researchers discovered why bird flu can survive temperatures that stop human flu in its tracks. A key gene, PB1, gives avian viruses the ability to replicate even at fever-level heat. Mice experiments confirmed that fever cripples human-origin flu but not avian strains, especially those with avian-like PB1. These findings highlight how gene swapping could fuel future pandemics. Fri, 28 Nov 2025 07:37:38 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251128050503.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027224837.htm Researchers found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines significantly increased survival in lung and skin cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy. The vaccine appears to prime the immune system in a powerful, nonspecific way, enhancing cancer treatment outcomes. If confirmed, the discovery could lead to a universal cancer vaccine and transform oncology care. Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:47:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027224837.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251020092841.htm Researchers discovered that avian influenza (H5N1) can survive in raw milk cheese made from contaminated milk, even after the 60-day aging process required by the FDA. However, highly acidic cheeses like feta showed no signs of the virus, suggesting acidity plays a crucial protective role. Animal tests revealed that while ferrets could be infected by drinking contaminated raw milk, eating raw milk cheese didn’t cause infection, possibly due to lower viral contact. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 03:31:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251020092841.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251019120503.htm A groundbreaking study reveals that cancer patients who received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine within 100 days of starting immunotherapy lived dramatically longer than those who didn’t. Researchers from the University of Florida and MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered that the vaccine’s immune-activating properties may boost cancer-fighting responses, acting like a nonspecific “flare” that reawakens the immune system. Sun, 19 Oct 2025 12:43:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251019120503.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011820.htm Scientists have discovered that flossing between your teeth could one day help vaccinate you. By targeting a uniquely permeable gum tissue called the junctional epithelium, this new method stimulates immunity right where many infections enter: the mouth, nose, and lungs. Using dental floss on mice to apply a flu vaccine triggered a robust immune response—better than existing oral approaches and comparable to nasal vaccines, but without the risks. It even worked with mRNA and protein-based vaccines. Sun, 03 Aug 2025 03:57:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011820.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515145628.htm A decades-long scientific challenge in HIV vaccine development has been finding a way to train the immune system to produce antibodies that can target many variants of the virus. Traditional approaches haven't worked -- largely because HIV mutates rapidly and hides key parts of itself from the immune system. Now, a new study combining data from two separate phase 1 clinical trials shows that a targeted vaccine strategy can successfully activate early immune responses relevant to HIV, and, in one trial, further advance them -- a key step toward a long-sought goal in vaccine development. Thu, 15 May 2025 14:56:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515145628.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122258.htm A research team has achieved a significant breakthrough in developing broadly protective, live-attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV). These innovative LAIV platforms offer potential to develop universal influenza vaccines that induce a more robust immune response against various virus subtypes, including both human and avian strains. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:22:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122258.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112443.htm The recent global monkeypox (mpox) outbreak, with a new and aggressive variant, has underscored the dire need for safe, broadly effective, and accessible vaccines. The LC16m8 vaccine, an attenuated vaccinia virus strain originally developed for smallpox, is a promising option for countering the mpox virus. Exploring this potential further, researchers employed a cross-species immunological analysis to provide new insights into LC16m8's immunogenicity and safety against mpox. The recent global monkeypox (mpox) outbreak, with a new and aggressive variant, has underscored the dire need for safe, broadly effective, and accessible vaccines. The LC16m8 vaccine, an attenuated vaccinia virus strain originally developed for smallpox, is a promising option for countering the mpox virus. Exploring this potential further, researchers employed a cross-species immunological analysis to provide new insights into LC16m8's immunogenicity and safety against mpox. Thu, 08 May 2025 11:24:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112443.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112429.htm Scientists have engineered a monoclonal antibody that can protect mice from a lethal dose of influenza A, a new study shows. The new molecule combines the specificity of a mature flu fighter with the broad binding capacity of a more general immune system defender. Thu, 08 May 2025 11:24:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112429.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250417145009.htm A vaccine under development has demonstrated complete protection in mice against a deadly variant of the virus that causes bird flu. The work focuses on the H5N1 variant known as 2.3.4.4b, which has caused widespread outbreaks in wild birds and poultry and other mammals. The vaccine is step toward more potent, versatile and easy-to-produce vaccines that public health officials believe will be needed to counteract evolving bird flu strains that grow resistant to existing vaccines. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:50:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250417145009.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408122112.htm Scientists have pioneered an influenza virus vector-based nasal spray vaccine platform and developed a nasal spray H5N1 avian influenza vaccine. During the early COVID-19 pandemic, this platform enabled the rapid development of a nasal spray vaccine in collaboration with mainland China's Wantai BioPharm. After completing Phase 1-3 clinical trials, it was approved in 2022 as the world's first nasal spray COVID-19 vaccine. Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:21:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408122112.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408121657.htm Researchers have shown that differences in the entire rotavirus genome -- not just its two surface proteins -- affect how well vaccines work, helping to explain why some strains are more likely to infect vaccinated individuals. Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:16:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408121657.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250404201407.htm Low vaccination rates for influenza viruses and the lack of an HSV vaccine underscore the need for a new approach to reduce viral transmission. Researchers have now used a clinical-grade antiviral chewing gum to substantially reduce viral loads of two herpes simplex viruses and two influenza A strains in experimental models. Fri, 04 Apr 2025 20:14:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250404201407.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122149.htm A unique vaccination rollout in Wales offered researchers a natural experiment: some older adults qualified for the shingles vaccine, while others just missed the cutoff. The results were striking — those who got the shot had a 20% lower risk of developing dementia within seven years. This breakthrough hints that viruses lurking in the nervous system may contribute to dementia and that prevention could be simpler than anyone imagined. Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:21:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122149.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250319143643.htm A study has found that a single dose of the Imvanex vaccine provides protection against Mpox with 84% effectiveness. For people with HIV, however, a single dose of the vaccine fails to offer sufficient protection. All at-risk groups, and people with HIV in particular, should therefore receive the second dose of the vaccine as recommended. Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:36:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250319143643.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250317184329.htm Existing antivirals may be less effective against this H5N1 bird flu strain, and prevention measures, such as avoiding raw milk consumption and reducing exposure in dairy workers, may be the most effective way to protect against the virus. Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:43:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250317184329.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250313180452.htm Older adults who were exposed to seasonal flu viruses that circulated prior to 1968 are more likely to have some protection against H5N1, and children would benefit more from H5N1 vaccines. Thu, 13 Mar 2025 18:04:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250313180452.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250307125723.htm Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (also known as bird flu) have created a need for rapid and sensitive detection methods to mitigate its spread. Now, researchers have developed a prototype sensor that detects a type of influenza virus that causes bird flu (H5N1) in air samples. The low-cost handheld sensor detects the virus at levels below an infectious dose and could lead to rapid aerosol testing for airborne avian influenza. Fri, 07 Mar 2025 12:57:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250307125723.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250305135134.htm A live-attenuated tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate in development elicits a much more balanced and effective immune response compared to the existing vaccine used across much of the world, according to preclinical research. Wed, 05 Mar 2025 13:51:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250305135134.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250303141305.htm As highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza continues to spread in the U.S., posing serious threats to dairy and poultry farms, both farmers and public health experts need better ways to monitor for infections, in real time, to mitigate and respond to outbreaks. Newly devised virus trackers can monitor for airborne particles of H5N1. Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:13:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250303141305.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226175926.htm Pre-existing immunity against seasonal H1N1 flu might help explain why most reported human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. have not resulted in lethal outcomes. Wed, 26 Feb 2025 17:59:26 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226175926.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250130161626.htm The antibody targets a stable part of the bird flu virus, ensuring that the immune protection can resist new variants and offer long-term protection against the globally spreading airborne infection. Thu, 30 Jan 2025 16:16:26 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250130161626.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250115125058.htm Researchers have identified nine mutations in a bird flu strain from a person in Texas. Bad news: this strain is more capable of causing disease and replicates better in the brain. Good news: approved antivirals are still effective. Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:50:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250115125058.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250102162519.htm Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza A virus (HPAI H5N1) remains a low risk to the general public, and public health experts in the United States believe that available treatments and vaccines, as well as those in development, are sufficient to prevent severe disease. Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:25:19 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250102162519.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241223135334.htm A year after becoming available, vaccines to protect against RSV in newborns and older adults are being more widely accepted by the American public, according to a new health survey. Mon, 23 Dec 2024 13:53:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241223135334.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241219151655.htm Stitching together four molecules found in the standard flu vaccine ensures an immune response to all of them, scientists have shown. Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:16:55 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241219151655.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241209122950.htm Researchers found that transmission of rotavirus vaccine strains in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is rare and without clinical consequences, strongly suggesting that giving the rotavirus vaccine to eligible infants during their hospitalization provides immune benefits that outweigh any risks. The findings could serve as the basis for a change in clinical practice. Mon, 09 Dec 2024 12:29:50 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241209122950.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241206162110.htm A single modification in the protein found on the surface of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 influenza virus currently circulating in U.S. dairy cows could allow for easier transmission among humans, according to new research. The study results reinforce the need for continued, vigilant surveillance and monitoring of HPAI H5N1 for potential genetic changes that could make the virus more transmissible in humans. Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:21:10 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241206162110.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241205142418.htm Avian influenza viruses typically require several mutations to adapt and spread among humans, but what happens when just one change can increase the risk of becoming a pandemic virus? A recent study reveals that a single mutation in the H5N1 'bird flu' virus that has recently infected dairy cows in the U.S. could enhance the virus' ability to attach to human cells, potentially increasing the risk of passing from person to person. The findings highlight the need to monitor H5N1's evolution. Thu, 05 Dec 2024 14:24:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241205142418.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241204183117.htm By comparing cancer incidence rates with genomic surveillance data, researchers suggest that higher rates of certain cancers in the UK and other countries may be linked to two bacterial strains. These strains are also among the most frequent causes of urinary tract infections. Wed, 04 Dec 2024 18:31:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241204183117.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241119132323.htm A research article shows that Eradivir's patent-pending antiviral therapeutic called EV25 reduces lung viral loads of advanced-stage influenza in preclinical studies quicker and more effectively than currently available therapies. Tue, 19 Nov 2024 13:23:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241119132323.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241114125643.htm Researchers have identified new roles for a protein long known to protect against severe flu infection -- among them, raising the minimum number of viral particles needed to cause sickness. Thu, 14 Nov 2024 12:56:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241114125643.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241113123430.htm An FDA-approved vaccine for smallpox and mpox is effective but causes side effects. The other requires multiple doses. An experimental single-dose vaccine uses the horsepox virus to harness the benefits of both strategies. Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:34:30 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241113123430.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241113123311.htm Why do some people develop severe flu symptoms? A study points the finger at an unsung portion of the antibodies our immune systems generate to fend off invading pathogens. Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:33:11 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241113123311.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241028131451.htm A strain of H5N1 avian influenza virus found in a Texas dairy worker who was infected this spring was able to spread among ferrets through the air, although inefficiently, and killed 100% of infected animals in studies researchers performed with the strain earlier this year. Mon, 28 Oct 2024 13:14:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241028131451.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240930122824.htm Researchers found that natural immunity from previous flu infections has a significant impact on how well future influenza vaccinations work. Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:28:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240930122824.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240916115428.htm If seabirds can catch avian flu by stealing food from infectious birds, it gives scientists a clue where to monitor for outbreaks among these vulnerable birds. Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:54:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240916115428.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240912135656.htm A promising Lassa fever vaccine shows potential to prevent severe disease and death in animals. Thu, 12 Sep 2024 13:56:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240912135656.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240911180009.htm Avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, which spread to cattle and infected 14 people this year, was detected using virome sequencing in the wastewater of 10 Texas cities. Wed, 11 Sep 2024 18:00:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240911180009.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240904130825.htm The most frequently used mpox vaccine provides partial immunity to the disease but isn't always able to prevent severe symptoms or disease transmission. A new vaccine candidate from Moderna, mRNA-1769, more effectively limits symptoms and disease duration in primates that were infected with a lethal strain of the mpox virus when compared to a currently licensed modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine. Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:08:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240904130825.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240904130810.htm As the global threat of H5N1 influenza looms with outbreaks across species and continents including the U.S., three international vaccine and public health experts say it is time to fully resource and support a robust strategy to address this and future potential pandemic influenza threats, including to consider voluntary vaccination for those now at exposure risk. Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:08:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240904130810.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240827105013.htm A next-generation COVID-19 mucosal vaccine is set to be a gamechanger not only when delivering the vaccine itself, but also for people who are needle-phobic. Tue, 27 Aug 2024 10:50:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240827105013.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240822125918.htm A new flu vaccine candidate incorporates proteins from 8 strains of influenza. Thu, 22 Aug 2024 12:59:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240822125918.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240820124435.htm Scientists have discovered why the flu vaccine can perform poorly. They found that a specific type of immune cell, called T follicular helper cells, indirectly controls the anti-influenza response. These helper cells often 'see' the wrong parts of the virus, likely leading to immunity that is less effective. Tue, 20 Aug 2024 12:44:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240820124435.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240819130740.htm The avian influenza virus needs to mutate to cross the species barrier and to infect and replicate within mammalian cells. Scientists have now deciphered the structure of the avian influenza virus's polymerase when it interacts with a human protein essential for the virus to replicate within the cell. The structure of this replication complex provides important information about the mutations that avian influenza polymerase must undergo to adapt to mammals, including humans. These results can help scientists monitor the evolution and adaptability of bird flu strains, such as H5N1 or H7N9, towards infecting other species. Mon, 19 Aug 2024 13:07:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240819130740.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240815163616.htm A unique influenza vaccine candidate that's inhaled appears safe and could bolster protection against seasonal and pandemic influenza for people vulnerable to severe disease when they receive it in addition to the annual flu shot. Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:36:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240815163616.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240814185758.htm Recent trials of an experimental malaria vaccine in healthy Malian adults found that all three tested regimens were safe. One of the trials enrolled 300 healthy women ages 18 to 38 years who anticipated becoming pregnant soon after immunization. That trial began with drug treatment to remove malaria parasites, followed by three injections spaced over a month of either saline placebo or the investigational vaccine at one of two dosages. Wed, 14 Aug 2024 18:57:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240814185758.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240812160250.htm Respiratory infections can be severe, even deadly, in some individuals, but not in others. Scientists have gained new understanding of why this is the case by uncovering an early molecular driver that underpins fatal disease. Oleoyl-ACP-hydrolase (OLAH) is an enzyme involved in fatty acid metabolism. A study shows that OLAH drives severe disease outcomes. Mon, 12 Aug 2024 16:02:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240812160250.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240809135948.htm A new, two-step flu vaccination strategy that pairs intramuscular injection of a viral vectored flu vaccine with nasal spray administration of a novel attenuated live flu virus appears to be safe and effective in pigs, researchers report. Fri, 09 Aug 2024 13:59:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240809135948.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240731170756.htm A nasal COVID-19 vaccine blocks transmission of the virus, according to an animal study. The findings suggest that vaccines delivered directly to the nose or mouth could play a critical role in containing the spread of respiratory infections. Wed, 31 Jul 2024 17:07:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240731170756.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240725154643.htm Over the last century, a once-deadly mosquito-borne virus has evolved so that it no longer sickens humans. New research shows that changes in the virus's ability to target human cells paralleled the decline in illness and death. The findings offer important lessons in virology that may help guide better preparedness for future outbreaks of other viral diseases. Thu, 25 Jul 2024 15:46:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240725154643.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240724122226.htm A new study provides evidence that a spillover of avian influenza from birds to dairy cattle across several U.S. states has now led to mammal-to-mammal transmission -- between cows and from cows to cats and a raccoon. Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:22:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240724122226.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240719123816.htm New research reveals a promising approach to developing a universal influenza vaccine -- a so-called 'one and done' vaccine that confers lifetime immunity against an evolving virus. The study tested a vaccine platform against the virus considered most likely to trigger the next pandemic. Fri, 19 Jul 2024 12:38:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240719123816.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240708222405.htm While H5N1 avian influenza virus taken from infected cow's milk makes mice and ferrets sick when dripped into their noses, airborne transmission of the virus between ferrets -- a common model for human transmission -- appears to be limited. These and other new findings about the strain of H5N1 circulating among North American dairy cattle this year come from a set of laboratory experiments. Together, they suggest that exposure to raw milk infected with the currently circulating virus poses a real risk of infecting humans, but that the virus may not spread very far or quickly to others. Mon, 08 Jul 2024 22:24:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240708222405.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240703131735.htm Researchers found no infectious virus in the sampled pasteurized milk products tested for H5N1. Wed, 03 Jul 2024 13:17:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240703131735.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240627172039.htm H5N1 virus in unpasteurized milk is stable on metal and rubber components of commercial milking equipment for at least one hour, increasing its potential to infect people and other animals. Thu, 27 Jun 2024 17:20:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240627172039.htm