Bird Flu Vaccine for Cattle Shows Early Promise in Trials

Quick Summary

• Growth: Researchers tested the first mRNA vaccine for avian influenza in cattle, yielding promising results in early trials.
• Study Findings: Inoculated calves showed strong immune response and considerably less viral RNA after exposure to H5N1-infected milk compared to unvaccinated calves.
• Context: The vaccine targets avian flu amidst outbreaks affecting over 1,000 dairy herds across 17 US states since March 2024.Human cases include 64 infections and one death.
• Meaning: This could help reduce animal-to-human transmission risks of a virus labeled a “real pandemic threat,” according to scientists involved in the study.
• Challenges Ahead: Trials on lactating cows are still needed; concerns persist regarding political opposition and economic feasibility of deploying livestock vaccines at scale.

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