The actions we take now will determine whether the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak already affecting birds and mammals around the world takes hold in humans.
(AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Our approach to combating pandemics must shift to one that prioritizes prevention of human infections with zoonotic viruses, rather than focusing on rapid response once human infection is widespread.
Irene Xagoraraki leads an environmental virology lab at Michigan State University.
Irene Xagoraraki
Detecting infectious agents in sewage is only the first step. Researchers are working on developing reliable ways to translate surveillance measurements to case numbers and infection predictions.
Can the virus transfer from infected farm animals to contaminate milk, meat or eggs? It depends on where you are and how well you cook your food. But for most of us, the chances are low.
Many viral genetic sequences code for proteins that researchers haven’t seen before.
KTSDesign/Science Photo Library via Getty Images
Scientists are discovering viral genetic sequences in the wild faster than they can analyze them. A kind of ChatGPT for proteins can help make sense of all that data.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed that dairy cows in nine states have been infected with bird flu in 2024.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
A veterinarian and epidemiologist who studies infectious diseases in dairy cows discusses the outbreak, how cows recover and what the government is doing to keep the milk supply safe.
Mpox, previously known as “monkeypox”, is a pox virus that’s related to smallpox and cowpox.
Dotted Yeti/ Shutterstock
Bird flu in U.S. dairy cows has Canadian public health experts on high alert. With one human case identified in Texas, what is the likelihood of H5N1 influenza moving from birds to mammals to people?
An attendant feeds chickens at a poultry farm.
Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP via Getty Images
People should minimise contact with birds in areas affected by bird flu viruses, including farms and settings where live animals may be sold or slaughtered.
Sea lions killed by bird flu in Chile, April 2023.
Patricio Banda/EPA-EFE
A disfiguring disease of cattle and buffalo has arrived on our doorstep. We need to keep lumpy skin disease out of Australia, while preparing for the almost inevitable outbreak.
Red-backed voles may be harboring Alaskapox.
iNaturalist Ecuador
The JN.1 variant has become dominant in Australia and around the world, causing large waves of infections. Here’s what we know about it so far – and why it’s so important.
The influenza virus, which causes seasonal flu, is back at its usual rate after a hiatus due to health measures.
(Shutterstock)
We tend to just think of viruses in terms of their damaging impacts on human health and lives. But viruses can also be used to benefit human health, agriculture and the environment.
We’ve all heard of antibiotic resistance. The same thing is happening with other causes of infections in humans: fungi, viruses and parasites. This is making thrush and other infections hard to treat.
Surface proteins on a virus enable it to attach to and get inside a cell to start replicating.
koto_feja/E+ via Getty Images
Viruses can get into cells in several ways. Figuring out how to stop them from entering in the first place is a key to developing better vaccines and stopping future pandemics.
The satellite virus MiniFlayer (purple) infects cells by attaching itself to the neck of its helper virus, MindFlayer (gray).
Tagide deCarvalho
Ivan Erill, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Researchers discovered a satellite virus latching onto the neck of another virus called MindFlayer. Studying the viral arms race between similar viruses could lead to new ways to fight infections.
Mosquitoes are the primary medium for contracting dengue.
Oregon State University/Flickr
Director, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital and Consultant Physician, Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity