Since the avian flu arrived in 2020, more than 90 million birds have been culled in the U.S. Unlike other avian flu viruses, H5N1 has infected a wide variety of birds and mammals, including seals, skunks, dolphins, polar bears and dairy cows. The virus continues to evolve and scientists are especially worried about pigs because they’re susceptible to human and avian flu strains. This article offers a graphic timeline and expert opinions on the progress H5N1 has made so far.
Source: The New York Times, April 22, 2024. Link. So now after 20 years of reassortment, you have a virus that does extraordinary well in a whole variety of avian and mammal species.” Vincent Muster, virologist at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Photo credit: Rachel Bujalski, The New York Times