CDC Expert Urges Action Against Looming Bird Flu Threat

A former CDC leader warns of a bird flu threat, prompting calls for stronger biosecurity.

At a Glance

First U.S. death from bird flu in Louisiana sparks concern.
Bird flu cases in humans have been linked to animal contact.
Redfield calls for better preparedness against potential pandemics.
Biosecurity measures and antiviral development are strongly advocated.

Growing Concerns over Bird Flu

In Louisiana, the United States has reported its first death related to the bird flu outbreak, involving an elderly person with underlying health conditions. This case emerged from exposure to a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. A key investigation into the incident has found no further human cases or evidence of human-to-human transmission in the area. This event sparked attention towards potential risks associated with bird flu.

The bird flu continues to spread mostly through contact with infected animals, with over 65 people affected across the nation, primarily due to exposure to animals such as poultry and wild birds. Despite these figures, the CDC maintains that the risk to the general public remains low. However, the sensitive nature of the outbreak has captured health authorities’ focus as historical data reflects a mortality rate of about 50% in bird flu cases.

CDC confirms first severe case of H5N1 Bird Flu in the U.S. While an investigation into the source of the infection is ongoing, it has been determined that the patient had exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks.

No person-to-person spread of H5 bird flu has been… pic.twitter.com/0jgHKkjQpx

— CDC (@CDCgov) December 18, 2024

Warning from Health Authorities

Highlighting the severe threat posed by the bird flu, Robert Redfield, a former CDC director, warned that a bird flu pandemic could be more devastating than COVID-19. Redfield urgently calls for bolstered biosecurity protocols and a temporary halt on gain-of-function research until safe regulations can be ensured. He also emphasizes the importance of preparing effective antivirals and vaccines.

“I really do think it’s very likely that we will, at some time—it’s not a question of if; it’s more of a question of when—we will have a bird flu pandemic,” Redfield said.

Additional concerns were highlighted as a variety of mammals, including cows and household animals, have been found to carry the virus. While the virus has not yet adapted for human-to-human transmission, health experts fear it’s only a matter of time. Redfield predicts a potentially high fatality rate should the virus become transmissible among humans.

On Friday, Robert Redfield, Former CDC Director, warned of a future bird flu pandemic.

“I really do think it’s very likely that we will, at some time, it’s not a question of if, it’s more of a question of when we will have a bird flu pandemic.” Redfield said.

My @unherd piece…

— Kevin Bardosh (@KevinBardosh) June 17, 2024

Strategies for Prevention and Preparedness

The former CDC chief insists that the potential of bird flu becoming a pandemic cannot be taken lightly. He calls for an elevated national response, akin to defense spending, to ensure that antiviral drugs and vaccine preparedness are scaled to meet the threat. Redfield’s grim prediction underscores the vital necessity for enhanced national and global biosecurity measures.

“The risk here of something going from one or two sporadic cases to becoming something of international concern, it’s not insignificant,” CDC Principal Deputy Director Nirav Shah told Politico in May. “We’ve all seen how a virus can spread around the globe before public health has even had a chance to get its shoes on. That’s a risk and one that we have to be mindful of.”

The situation calls for heightened awareness and action to prevent widespread transmission. Public health advice remains focused on avoiding contact with wild birds and enforcing good hygiene practices. Emphasizing biosecurity as a parallel to nuclear threat levels reflects the recognition of the critical threat posed by emergent viral pandemics.