Top virologists sound the alarm on bird flu and plead with world leaders to prepare for another pandemic
Top virologists raise alarm over potential for bird flu pandemic
"Top virologists raise alarm" ..... that didn't help last time. People and government won't take notice or want to take action until we see people with blood coming out of their eyes and dying in the streets, and even then, everyone will be more worried about the economy than in the body count.
at least worrying about the economy would be an improvement to just worrying about their personal freedom
They'll just ask the elderly to die again
I need to watch 28 days later again.
Just in time for the sequel!
If you wait a while, we'll be living in it
The third pandemic is a good book about a variety of diseases, including bird flu, mingling in a host (bird) body, morphing into a superbug, and wiping out huge swaths of the population.
If you like to read, it’s quite good, if a bit long. (but notably I read it in 5th grade and hauled around a dictionary for a lot of it.. it sticks hard in my memory, because my step dad gave it to me after finishing it himself, and it was a challenge. One of our few shared positive things from the era where he almost killed me multiple times.. but I haven’t read it in a hot minute; just shy of 30 years..)
There's a movie for this. Bird flu in america, was mediocre but somehwat accurate for the death rate portrayed
In the U.S., RFK has promised to personally consume every dead bird he finds on the side of the road.
I knew there had to be at least one positive trait.
He actually does have one positive trait: he's open to the idea of psychedelics for the treatment of mental health disorders. Past administrations have had way too much love for the Nixon-era "War on Drugs" DEA schedule, which treats magic mushrooms as more dangerous than fentanyl. It doesn't make up for all the other damage he's doing, and even this one thing he probably won't handle in an appropriate way, since he's also, y'know, incompetent. But it's conceivable that this one thing could move in a good direction despite his leadership.
That happened before bird flu was announced tho
Thankful JD was only into couches
That's just the worm talking, it's out for revenge
It wants a mate
I have a buddy who is a virologist. He sends me shit all the time about bird flu. The gain of function tests on it is wild. Also, note that we have seen this shit coming since 2012
Published in: Science
Summary: Demonstrated that a small number of mutations could allow H5N1 to spread via respiratory droplets in ferrets.
Link: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1213362
Published in: Science (companion to Fouchier’s work)
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22723413/
Published in: Nature
Summary: Kawaoka’s lab showed that reassortment of H5N1 with pandemic H1N1 genes could enable airborne spread in ferrets.
Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/nature10831
Published in: Science
Summary: Chinese researchers found that hybrid viruses combining H5N1 with H1N1 pandemic genes could spread between mammals.
Link: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1243362
Summary: Initially recommended redacting details of GoF studies due to bioterrorism concerns, later reversed.
2012? Bird flu been warned about since 2005 at least in my memory
The first case was in 1959 in Scotland. The first human case was in 1996 or 1997 in China. Then around 2002, there was an outbreak in SE Asia that caused alarm then in 2005 it spread by wild birds into Europe and triggered a big WHO warning. The first gain of function tests was in 2011 and 2012. My comment was about the gain of function tests. I probably could have worded it better
What is the point of gain of function research? Sounds unwise to devote resources to making deadly diseases deadlier.
I think the idea is that the diseases are likely to become deadlier whether we do research or not, but by experimenting we are able to get ahead of it.
We don't "improve" diseases to make them deadilier and then just release them. The point of gain of function research essentially boils down to "How quickly can this disease become a serious issue and what do we expect that to look like?" with covid, thanks to gain of function research we knew it would quickly mutate and decrease in severity and we could significantly reduce harm by slowing the spread until it got to the point it's at today.
I have to say it again, I am not a virologist. I am just a middle-aged peckerwood from South Texas so please don't take anything I say on the subject of H5N1 as fact. It's just my understanding of how things work in a field I have very little connection to lol.
Gain of function tests are very controversial. IIRC there were a few SARS-CoV-1 leaks in Asia from GoF tests in 2004 or 05. People use those to argue against them. It can also be argued that GoF tests help us map out what mutations we should be watching for so there will be faster responses when they eventually occur. It can also help to advance vaccine research.
When they are done they destroy the mutated viruses or store nonviable samples in secured labs. The security and precautions, for the most part, keep it safe. Or so we are told lol
In the big picture GoF tests are a drop, what should scare the dick off you is reassortment. That happens on its own in the wild. The hits include H2N2, H3N2, H1N1, and H9N2. IIRC H9N2 is a top donor for internal genes and making it a superstar in the reassortments of all sorts of avian flu.
Good luck
Summary: Chinese researchers found that hybrid viruses combining H5N1 with H1N1 pandemic genes could spread between mammals.
That would be bad, as current vaccines against avian flu in humans tent to work on the "H5" part...
I just hope it kills a lot more Nazi antivax idiots this time
There will probably be some slant in that direction, but there'll be a much bigger slant towards killing the elderly, the immunocompromised, those who can't afford medical care and time off, etc. As usual.
As terrible as it feels to say with the way elderly people vote they more often than not fall into the nazi camp. I know my gandad does with fox constantly playing.
Unfortunately, it's the rich that are feeding them the garbage that's infested their minds. I don't think there's any saving the masses from the delusion they're slobbering up, but as long as the buffet keeps getting restocked, the pigs will keep fattening up for the slaughter.
Hopefully it kills the uber-privileged carnists responsible for all of this death and disease.
being able to be vegan/vegetarian is a privilege. it's expensive as hell for starters. you can eat meat and still want change in the meat industry.
Carnist? This is why we lose.
I doubt it will they all have doomsday bunkers. I do hope that they are forced to cower in them for the rest of their days though…..because guillotine
Meanwhile my country's most powerful public health official: "vaccines are dangerous because they train viruses to be stronger, we should instead simply infect as many birds as possible"
Future historians will say that Donald the dumb was a plague spreader.
Im just worried how bad it can get. 90% fatalities to pregnant women, that high. That's not the COVID 1-2%
Future historians? I like your optimism.
2044
This heresy scrubbed by The Mechanicum of Misinformation
FOR GOD EMPEROR TRUMP!
brain in a jar
Don't forget all the carnists who literally paid for this.
OMG we get it, you're vegan. Get over it!
Not now
Time to stop all testing immediately so that there are no cases
Anecdote: I'm pretty sure lots of diseased chickens are being dumped without being reported because carnists don't want to cull their flock. I literally found several trashbags of sickly dead chickens spread around a field (by coyotes probably) where I run.
Having a vaccine, and getting it sufficiently wide deployed under a known antivaxxer "health" minister are two different kinds of shoes.
And: The virus is currently trying to overcome species barriers, which might reduce an existing vaccine less useful. AFAIK you need a different vaccine for poultry than for cows, and some infections have made it across to humans, also AFAIK, from cows.
getting it sufficiently wide deployed under a known antivaxxer “health” minister
Not to mention that the asshole in the WH would absolutely weaponize this against blue states and would try to enrich HIMSELF in the process. We know, because that's what he did during Covid. That's just how fucking depraved he is.
They initially thought that Covid was killing more of the Blahs...and they of course loved that idea.
If only we had some technology that could replicate the mRna or DNA as things changed to get an updated vaccine out quicker.
Too bad that didn't work out, killed billions of people, and is now being banned for how awful it was.
Once it takes hold in swine, it's party time!
Is there is a functional vaccine for it then I want it ASAP.
we already have a vaccine for it https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/H5N1_vaccine
Gonna be illegal in the USA
The fucknut RFK will tell the AmeriKans to drink fish tank cleaner or bleach and shove a UV light down their throats. When this things slams into the USA, Krasnov will continue to fail.
I'm ok with this.
We've known about vaccines, germ theory, and virus for quite some time now. If they want to kill themselves because they choose to not follow the science, so be it. I'm tired of having this conversation with the wilfully and proudly ignorant tomato soup brained infants.
RFK jr. Isn't just anti-germ theory. He doesn't even follow miasma theory... he follows something even older and more stupid: terrain theory. The idea that you get sick BECAUSE you were unhealthy and not the other way around. That diseases are opportunists looking for malnourished or lazy or weak individuals (weak by their own choices) than just something that can happen to anyone.
You know those girls who died of measles? He insisted it happened because they were malnourished. No amount of evidence presented by doctors could convince him otherwise.
Basically we have an absolutely insane conspiracy theorist who has the medical beliefs of a medieval quack in charge of US health.
this whole "valuing specific humans are inherently inferior to others and can't be saved" business reminds me of something...
Misinformation is what you wanna target, not the victims
+1...Indeed!
So, you’re okay with a whole bunch of people who have no problem with vaccines die because they live next to anti-vaxxers?
Wow, so noble. You really are a moral person and not some idiot wanking your anger boner on the internet.
Do you think libs are going to tell people to stop eating meat because it's destroying the planet, breeding diseases, and of course least importantly (\s) torturing/murdering animals?
Never have. Never will. Chuck and nancy probably have stock in this shit.
Do you want people to eat less meat, or do you want to feel superior to people because you eat less meat? Because it feels like the latter from all your comments here.
It's entirely avoidable, if only Trump would have actually learned something from his first term and actually funded research and prevention teams. Sadly, he only has the foresight to see how cutting those programs saves the US Govt. a penny now, and not the wisdom to see how that panny would have been money well spent if it prevented us from having to spend thousands on recovery efforts.
But they made so much money stealing PPE last time! Probably some good extortion money, too.
Huge bonus if they get to hold a cure over people's heads, too.
Trump would have actually learned something
That's physically impossible at this point.
do we really need Trump + Pandemic again
If there were any justice in the universe, he would have died from the virus he unleashed on the world
The US will end up with the highest fatality ratio than any other country and Trump will still blame Biden and Hillary's emails
How to prepare for this shit again? I guess I can start by storing some masks, and a lot more food.
Any advice or thoughts? I can work from home fulltime, and grocery deliveries is possible.
The best thing to prepare is to not be fearful and to not panic.
I suggest that everybody protest against factory farming and participate in boycotts. Call lawmakers and regulators to take direct action against these companies and their dangerous practices (and hold them responsible).
Going to post this as a main comment but two things are true
Thanks, that mortality rate is frighteningly high. Luckily no human to human transmission so far. Hopefully never.
Might be good to have some personal protective equipment in my emergency toolkit, as people would probably go instantly nuts for that if there is a breakout of human to human transmission.
I wish I was stronger in this regard. Will make and a eat a vegetarian dinner today though.
That’s not possible for all of us. I have dietary issues and food allergies that keep me on a strict diet. Animal protein (and even the type is limited) is the only source of main protein I can eat regularly without getting sick. Shit like this scares me because I’m afraid I could literally end up starving to death if all the birds and fish die.
Don't worry, I'm sure Trump and his cultists will fuck this one up for us too.
I look forward to our next pandemic…
How the hell would anyone know
I wasn't expecting my bingo card to fill up so fast.
This Week in Virology talks a bit about this at the 10min mark TWiV 1214: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin
Episode webpage: https://www.microbe.tv/twiv/twiv-1214/
Media file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/twiv/TWiV1214.mp3?dest-id=25528
Also worth bookmarking the CDC summary... For as long as it's up. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html
COVID2 Electric Boogaloo
Well that drinking raw milk is paying off, congrats. Someone should strap RFK Jr to a chair and make him drink gallons of infected raw milk.
Pretty sure it's the chicken consumption that's paying off.
well that is (over consumption of animal products at least) one of the sources I agree, raw milk etc are catalyzers
If we all die from the bird flu can we die after collectively doing the chicken dance?
Doo dee doo dee doo dee doot. Doo dee doo dee doo dee doot. So kiss my butt! 👏👏👏
Donald and HHS: A1 said fake news. This is Obama’s fault.
Can’t wait for the “that’s gay and fake” crowd to act like nothing is happening and if it is it’s Klaus Schwab’s fault.
A lot of innocent people would die, but there could also be some big Ws if you know who and crew all kicked the bucket by dying due to the virus or ODing on bleach and ivermectin early, rather than after four years. Thumbing our noses at mother nature by slashing health departments and the WHO contributions are just asking for trouble.
And they mostly won't
Just saying this based off covid which came after sars2 and i remember in each time there were warning signs way WAY before and nobody really bothered.
Sure, covid may have shaken governments a bit and people maybe finally remember, but most will just let it go happen until its right around the door, to only then spring in action when its again too late
Red counties first.
How does this site charge $29/month for a subscription? That’s insane!
They need to justify their name
I don’t wanna get my hopes up so fear-mongering aside, how actually likely is any of this?
Because I keep remembering that humans are notoriously bad at future prediction.
Surely you aren't expecting a calculated probability between 0% and 100%. The most useful thing the scientists can do for us here is to prepare for the worse (while hoping for the best), and that is done by carefully selecting the recommendations they chose to publish (in the article).
The article is behind a paywall. What does it say?
ChatGPT summary:
Over 40 top virologists from around the world are urgently warning about the growing threat of the H5N1 avian flu. While human-to-human transmission hasn’t been confirmed, sporadic infections in people with no known animal contact raise concerns about the virus adapting. H5N1 is now found in wild birds, livestock, and humans across all U.S. states and Canada, with over 168 million poultry culled and over 70 human cases—including one death.
The Global Virus Network (GVN) calls for stronger global action, urging governments to apply lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Key recommendations include:
Experts emphasize that early detection, community engagement, and international cooperation are crucial to preventing a potential human pandemic.
Sources:
Full article:
Leading virologists from over 40 countries are sounding the alarm over the increasing threat of H5N1 avian flu—which can cause coughing, body aches, fatigue, pneumonia, and other symptoms in humans—urging global leaders to step up with a range of measures and to use knowledge gained during the COVID pandemic.
“In the U.S. sporadic human infections with no known contact with infected animals highlight the possibility of viral adaptation for efficient human-to-human transmission,” Global Virus Network (GVN) scientists write in a commentary published this week in The Lancet Regional Health–Americas. “Concurrently, the virus continues to circulate in wild birds, backyard flocks, and hunted migratory species, further amplifying the risk to humans and domestic animals.”
The experts compel leaders to address the issue by boosting surveillance, enhancing biosecurity, and preparing for potential human-to-human viral transmission.
The authors note that more than 995 dairy cow herds and at least 70 people have been infected with H5N1, including severe cases and the first reported U.S. death.
“Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response,” Dr. Sten H. Vermund, chief medical officer of the GVN and dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, said in a press release. “The virus’s ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures.”
The highly pathogenic influenza virus is now circulating in all 50 states and Canada, the virologists warn, resulting in the loss or culling of more than 168 million poultry animals in the U.S. since 2022. While human-to-human transmission is not documented, experts warn that virus mutations or the combination of two flu viruses could increase transmissibility.
The researchers made several recommendations:
“A robust nationwide monitoring system is essential to quickly detect and quarantine affected animals and implement preventive measures to curb further spread and human infections,” said Elyse Stachler, GVN member and a research scientist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. “Further, we believe it is crucial to maintain trust and stakeholder buy-in for monitoring programs, particularly from farmworkers.”
“We are advocating for community-driven strategies to ensure the successful implementation of vaccines, if necessary,” said Dr. Christian Bréchot, president emeritus of the GVN and director of the USF Health Microbiomes Institute and senior associate dean for research in global affairs in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “The situation with H5N1 demands heightened vigilance and collaboration across public health sectors. Early detection and robust surveillance are critical to prevent further spread.”
No paywall for me..
No paywall for me..
Paywall. Archive.org link
When you look it up it says the government has a vaccine stockpile but you can’t get it
BINGO!!! what did I win?
Chicken dinner
Just feel bad for the birds ;( not treated with any kind of decency or respect
I thought there was an effective bird flu vaccine that was being given to chickens and wild birds.
When is this coming ?
I'm all for trash talking the circus of Trump and RFK, and anti-vaccers, but anyone doing so while still eating animal products is a hypocrite.
People love to take moral stances / talk about sacrificing for the greater good, until their behaviour has to change.
Torture and murder of non-human animals <---> Torture and murder of human animals.
But I guess the carnists gotta have their sandwiches. \s
There isn't going to be another pandemic this soon after COVID. Pandemics happen about every 100 years. Pretty much everything happens in cycles and is predictable based on historical patterns. There isn't going to be another pandemic this soon after COVID.
This is not how probability works.
We've had once in a century economic problems thrice in less than 30 years, STFU
Last time was a red 9, there's not going to be another red 9 for 36 more spins.
Scientists: we have some good news and some bad news on the pandemic front.
Public: Gimme the good news first.
Scientists: We're going to solve the housing crisis really quickly.
X/
That's dark. +1
There could be 1000000 empty houses for every homeless person and capital would still be murdering people who tried to squat.
They have to find you first. 1 in 1,000,000? I like them odds.