World Health Organization announces development of bird flu vaccine

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Multiple cases of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, have been detected across Michigan.

News 10 has reported confirmed cases in animals like poultry and cattle, but the virus hasn’t presented a real threat to the general public. The World Health Organization (WHO) is looking to get ahead of that.

The organization is developing a new human bird flu vaccine for low and middle-income countries using the same technology that helped develop a COVID-19 vaccine.

12 Michigan counties have confirmed cases of bird flu in animals, with The Department of Health and Human Services confirming two human cases. Dr. Peter Gulick professor of medicine at Michigan State University says the virus could adapt for human-to-human spread. So, continued monitoring would be best to stay ahead of the virus.

“Watching closely making sure we test everybody, so we get an accurate amount of material on how many people are getting infected. Monitoring very closely to make sure that there’s no change in the way people are responding to the illness, meaning that they are getting sicker. I mean, we have to be very careful and do this very closely, so we don’t miss something,” said Dr. Gulick.

According to the USDA, between December 2014, and June 2015, more than 50 million chickens or turkeys in the US died from bird flu or had to be killed to stop the spread of the disease. The WHO says having a bird flu vaccine studied and readily available reduces the likelihood of a future pandemic.

Subscribe to our News 10 newsletter and YouTube page to receive the latest local news and weather. Looking to hire people, or grow your business through advertising? Gray Digital Media is your one-stop marketing solution. Learn more.

Copyright 2024 WILX. All rights reserved.