The Global Virus Network (GVN) has issued a stark warning about the escalating threat of a potential H5N1 pandemic, as the virus continues to spread among animals and humans in the United States. Since early 2024, over 995 dairy cow herds have been affected, and at least 70 human cases have been confirmed, including one fatality.

Originally identified in geese in China in 1996, the H5N1 virus—commonly known as avian influenza or bird flu—primarily affects birds but can occasionally infect humans and other animals. The current outbreak is unprecedented, with the virus infecting not only poultry but also cattle and other mammals, including goats and wild species. 

The GVN emphasizes the urgency of improved surveillance, heightened biosecurity measures, and preparation for potential human-to-human transmission. Experts warn that the virus's persistence increases the risk of it acquiring mutations that could enable transmission between humans, especially if it exchanges genetic material with swine or seasonal flu viruses. 

In response to the growing threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN) to enhance global collaboration in detecting and preventing infectious disease threats. The IPSN aims to improve systems for collecting and analyzing samples, using these data to drive public health decision-making, and sharing that information more broadly.

As the situation evolves, health authorities continue to monitor the virus's spread and mutations closely. The public is advised to exercise caution, especially when in close contact with birds and mammals, and to stay informed through official health channels.