Wild Animals Infected with Flu Virus from U.S. Dairy Cattle
Wild animals such as polar bears, red foxes, and penguins have been infected with the flu virus strain spreading in U.S. dairy cattle. Monitoring wild animals for diseases can help identify emerging health threats.
Key Points
- 75% of new infectious diseases in people come from animals.
- Monitoring wild animals for diseases is crucial to identify health threats.
- Bird-to-mammal transmission events have been increasing in the last 4-5 years.
Pros
- Monitoring wild animals for diseases can help scientists identify emerging health threats.
Cons
- Up to 75% of new and emerging infectious diseases in people come from animals, which can be a significant public health concern.