In a worrisome development, experts have sounded the alarm about the United States' lack of preparedness for a potential bird flu outbreak. This comes as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a second human bird flu case linked to a multistate outbreak in dairy cows.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a viral illness primarily transmitted among wild and domestic birds. However, there have been instances where the virus can jump to animals such as dairy cows and, in rare cases, humans. The CDC recently issued new recommendations to enhance influenza surveillance over the summer in order to detect any further human cases of the H5N1 bird flu virus.

Despite these efforts, experts like epidemiologist Brian Castrucci warn that the U.S. is ill-prepared for a potential bird flu outbreak. Castrucci, who is the president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, a public health nonprofit, emphasizes the importance of effective reporting in tracking emerging infections. However, there are barriers hindering reporting, according to Castrucci.

One significant obstacle highlighted by Jessica Malaty Rivera, an epidemiologist and science communications adviser for the de Beaumont Foundation, is the lack of data. Rivera explains that the outbreaks likely started late last year, suggesting that the full extent of the situation may not be apparent. Furthermore, trust issues among farmers, including concerns related to documentation insecurity, language barriers, and a lack of sick leave, discourage reporting and participation in testing.

This lack of reporting can lead to underestimation of human cases, hampering surveillance efforts. Castrucci stresses the need for federal policies to protect those who play critical roles in safeguarding public health. He advocates for emergency paid sick leave, immigration amnesty, and income assurance to facilitate reporting among those most at risk.

Adding to concerns about preparedness is the ongoing understaffing of public health workers following the COVID-19 pandemic. Castrucci explains that between 2017 and 2021, half of the governmental public health workforce left their positions. Addressing the shortage is crucial to ensure sufficient delivery of basic public health services and to handle any future nationwide pandemics effectively.

Despite the current low risk to the general public, as noted by Rivera, people who have occupational or recreational exposure to infected animals, particularly dairy cows, are at higher risk of bird flu. This includes dairy farmers, farmworkers, and veterinarians responding to outbreaks. To protect themselves, individuals should avoid contact with wild birds, cows, and other potentially infected animals. Additionally, they should refrain from consuming raw or unpasteurized milk and animal products from animals suspected or confirmed to have bird flu.

While the majority of bird flu cases in humans have been mild thus far, experts urge vigilance as these viruses can rapidly evolve. Recombination events, where genetic material from different strains mix within a host, can increase the severity of illness or even allow avian influenza to infect humans. Although rare, a recombination event leading to human-to-human transmission could potentially give rise to a pandemic.

Castrucci emphasizes the need for policy changes not only in the context of bird flu but also in pandemic preparedness more broadly. He highlights the increasing frequency of pandemic threats and stresses the importance of investing in policies, procedures, and practices to secure the safety, security, and economic prosperity of the country.

As concerns about potential health crises persist, Newsweek encourages readers to share any health problems they are facing. By reaching out to health@newsweek.com, individuals can obtain expert advice, and their stories could be featured in the publication.