Challenges in Developing Effective Bird Flu Vaccine Highlighted by Scientists

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As the bird flu virus spreads among cows, scientists caution that producing an effective vaccine swiftly could pose considerable challenges. While the current strain doesn't appear to pose an immediate threat to most humans, the potential for mutation remains a concern, with the virus needing significant changes to facilitate human-to-human transmission.

 

Federal health officials have initiated vaccine development efforts as a precautionary measure against a potential pandemic outbreak. Dawn O'Connell, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the Health and Human Services Department, revealed that two vaccines based on older, similar virus strains have shown promise in early testing. The government has also stockpiled adjuvants to enhance vaccine effectiveness, with preparations including the manufacture of hundreds of thousands of doses in prefilled syringes and vials for rapid deployment.

 

However, skepticism exists among infectious disease specialists regarding the nation's readiness to address this potential threat. Michael Osterholm from the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy questions the efficacy of candidate vaccines, emphasizing the need for rigorous testing, especially given potential virus mutations. Concerns also arise regarding the slow and unpredictable production process of traditional flu vaccines, which could hinder rapid response efforts.

 

Luciana Borio, a senior fellow for global health, underscores the importance of humility and preparedness, urging the federal government to adopt a more proactive stance. Rick Bright, formerly of BARDA, emphasizes the necessity of prioritization and distribution strategies, highlighting existing gaps in the nation's pandemic preparedness.

 

Suggestions include updating candidate vaccines based on recent virus strains and investing in mRNA vaccine development. However, concerns persist that the response echoes past shortcomings in pandemic readiness, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent potential devastation.

 

While government officials acknowledge challenges in vaccine development and distribution, they express determination to leverage available tools. Vivien Dugan, director of the influenza division at the CDC, suggests prioritizing vaccination for dairy workers to mitigate health risks and prevent virus evolution.

 

Despite ongoing efforts, concerns remain regarding transparency and information dissemination. Jennifer Nuzzo from Brown University's Pandemic Center advocates for greater transparency to foster public confidence in the vaccination process.

As vaccine companies conduct further testing, the imperative remains to maintain vigilance and transparency in addressing potential pandemic threats.

 

2024-05-04

 

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[Bkk Brian]

First one officially announced in the US

 

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Infection in a Dairy Farm Worker
Published May 3, 2024
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc2405371

Sporadic human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus, with a wide spectrum of clinical severity and a cumulative case fatality of more than 50%, have been reported in 23 countries over more than 20 years.1 HPAI A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have spread widely among wild birds worldwide since 2020–2021,2,3 resulting in outbreaks in poultry and other animals.2 Recently, HPAI A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses were identified in dairy cows, and in unpasteurized milk samples, in multiple U.S. states.4,5 We report a case of HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection in a dairy farm worker in Texas.

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2405371

[Bkk Brian]

Covid lessons remain unlearned as avian flu infects cattle, hospitals say
Dairy cows in nine states are infected and hospitals are looking to the government for guidance.

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/02/hospitals-on-avian-flu-outbreak-00155540