How the US Agriculture Organization held the key to fighting the bird flu

Since Donald Trump took office in January, major US public health agencies have pulled back preparations for a potential avian flu pandemic. But as it sets backwards, another government agency is stepping up.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) previously held regular briefings on efforts to prevent a wider outbreak of the deadly avian influenza virus known as H5N1 in people, but it was largely suspended once Trump took office. They also cancelled funding for vaccines targeting the virus. In contrast, the USDA escalated the battle against the spread of H5N1 in poultry and dairy herds.

This particular virus – a bird flu strain called H5N1 – poses a great threat to the killed human About half of about 1,000 people Worldwide has been tested positive since 2003. The pathogens are spreading rapidly in birds, but they are inadequately adapted to infect humans and are not known to be transmitted among people. However, it can change when acquiring mutations that allow them to spread more easily among mammals. This is a risk that increases with mammalian infections.

The chances of H5N1 evolving to be more dangerous to people have increased significantly since March 2024, when it jumped from migratory birds in Texas to dairy cows. More 1,070 flocks Since then, it has been affected across 17 states.

H5N1 also infects poultry, making the virus more human-like. Since 2022, almost 175 million domestic birds Selected in the US for H5N1 and almost everything 71 people Those who tested positive for it have come into direct contact with livestock.

“We need to take this seriously [H5N1] It’s constantly spreading, it’s always spilling on humans.” Sheema Calkdawara At Emory University in Georgia. The virus has already killed people in the US, Mexican children this year.

Still, incidents have been declining under Trump. The last human case recorded was February, with the number of affected poultry herds diminished. 95% between then and June. The outbreak of dairy cow herds is also stable.

What lies behind the decline is not clear. Camels believe it is due to a lull in bird migration and to reduce the chances of the virus spreading from wild birds to livestock. It may also reflect USDA’s efforts to contain outbreaks on farms. In February, USDA announced a A billion dollar plan To tackle H5N1, including free biosecurity assessments, strengthening farmers’ defenses against the virus. Of the 150 facilities that received ratings, only one person has experienced an outbreak of H5N1.

Under Trump, the USDA also continued its national milk testing strategy. This requires farms to provide raw milk samples for influenza testing. If the farm is positive for H5N1, the USDA should be able to monitor the livestock and implement measures to contain the virus. USDA has started December Program After that, we strengthened our participation 45 states.

“The National Milk Test Strategy is a great system.” Erin Sorrell at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. In addition to USDA’s efforts to improve biosecurity measures on farms, milk testing is essential to contain outbreaks, says Sorrell.

However, USDA has stepped up its efforts on H5N1, but it appears that HHS has not followed suit. In fact, the recent decline in human cases may reflect a decline in surveillance due to reduced labor force, Sorrell said. In April, HHS resolved 10,000 employeesinclude 90% Staff at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Investigate the occurrence of H5N1 In a farm worker.

“There’s an old proverb that you can’t find it unless you test something,” says Sorrell. However, a spokesman for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the guidance and Surveillance efforts It has not been changed. “The state and local health departments continue to monitor the illness of people exposed to sick animals,” they said. New Scientist. “The CDC remains committed to promptly communicating information about H5N1 when necessary.”

USDA and HHS are also divided into vaccinations. The USDA allocated $100 million to develop vaccines and other solutions to prevent the spread of H5N1 in livestock, but HHS has cancelled $776 million in contracts for the development of influenza vaccines. The contract, which ended May 28, was with drug company Moderna to develop a vaccine targeting influenza subtypes, including H5N1, which could cause a future pandemic. The news came on the same day that Modanya reported almost 98% of approximately 300 participants Those who received two H5 vaccines in clinical trials had antibody levels that were thought to be protective against the virus.

The US stocks up about 5 million H5N1 vaccine doses, which are made using eggs and cultured cells, taking longer than mRNA-based vaccines like Moderna. The Moderna vaccine modernized its stockpile and allowed the government to produce vaccines rapidly in the event of a pandemic, Sorrell said. “It seemed like a very effective platform, so if a vaccine was needed for the general public, the US and others would have been on a good footing,” she says.

HHS has cancelled its contract due to concerns about an MRNA vaccine that Robert F. Kennedy JR, the country’s highest-ranking public health official, has previously raised doubts. “The reality is that mRNA technology remains under-tested and will not spend taxpayer dollars on repeating the mistakes of the last administration,” HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon said in a statement. New Scientist.

However, mRNA technology is not new. It has been in development for over half a century, and numerous clinical trials have shown that mRNA vaccines are safe. They risk side effects, most of which are mild, but this applies to almost all treatments. In a press release, Modanya said she will explore alternative financing paths for the program.

“My stance is that we should not look for something to get off the table, and that includes all sorts of vaccine regimens,” says Cakdawara.

“Vaccinations are the most effective way to combat infectious diseases,” says Sorrell. “And just having it in your arsenal and ready to go gives you more options.”