Could bird flu still spark a pandemic? - Science Friday Recap

Podcast: Science Friday

Published: 2026-03-25T10:00:00.000Z

Guests: Dr. Seema Lakdawala

What Happened

Flora Lichtman opens the discussion with Dr. Seema Lakdawala, Co-director of the Center for Transmission of Airborne Pathogens at Emory University, about the current status of the H5N1 bird flu. Although it has receded from national headlines, bird flu remains prevalent in backyard poultry, poultry farms, and migratory bird populations in the U.S. Millions of birds are being culled in efforts to contain the virus, and concerns about egg shortages persist.

Dr. Lakdawala explains the challenges in tracking bird flu due to reduced federal surveillance, particularly as the virus spreads primarily in migratory birds rather than dairy cattle. The USDA's milk testing programs have detected fewer symptoms in cattle, suggesting the presence of mild or non-clinically symptomatic cows shedding the virus without significant production impacts.

The conversation touches on the human impact, noting that dairy and poultry workers remain at high risk for mild symptoms, often not seeking medical care due to mildness or socioeconomic reasons. Few deaths have been linked to direct contact with infected birds. The discussion also highlights the role of manure lagoons on dairy farms as potential sources of infectious virus, with wild birds possibly being infected through these water sources.

Flora Lichtman and Dr. Lakdawala discuss the increased prevalence of bird flu in migratory flyways, which now include multiple U.S. regions. This spread increases the risk for poultry farms and backyard flocks. The episode also covers the outbreak in aquatic mammals like sea lions in California and South America, indicating a high interaction between migratory birds and these mammals.

The episode addresses the potential for bird flu vaccines in poultry, highlighting the need for proactive implementation to prevent the virus's evolution and spread. Dr. Lakdawala expresses moderate concern about the pandemic potential, pointing out the lack of comprehensive measures to contain the virus in domestic animals.

Dr. Lakdawala emphasizes the need for better strategies to prevent virus spread on farms, including potential vaccine use and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers. Public education is crucial, especially advising against touching dead birds and avoiding raw milk consumption to prevent further transmission risks.

Key Insights

• Bird flu remains prevalent in U.S. poultry farms and migratory bird populations, with millions of birds being culled to contain the virus.
• Reduced federal surveillance complicates tracking bird flu, particularly as fewer symptoms are seen in dairy cattle, leading to undetected virus shedding.
• Manure lagoons on dairy farms can harbor infectious virus, posing a risk to wild birds and potentially facilitating virus spread in migratory pathways.
• Despite scientific capabilities, there is a lack of proactive implementation of bird flu vaccines in poultry, highlighting a gap in containment strategies.