Sooooo. ..is anything being done about possible vaccine for H5N1?

[wnylib]

17. There is a vaccine for it. It's been around for a few years

We haven't heard about it because it was not a crisis in the US until this year.

Asia (China) dealt with this strain of bird flu as long ago as 2007. There were several human deaths there, mostly farm workers and animal handlers. It was in the news that long ago, but most of us here did not pay close attention to it. No human to human spread, so we didn't worry about it.

The vaccine is made in the same way as other flu vaccines, but some companies are now working on newer versions of their own. Moderna is working on an mRNA version. I don't know how much vaccine is currently available or if it is available to the general public. Priority is for farm workers, vets, zoo employees since they are the most exposed.

I read one article while looking up info on H5N1 which said that WHO is concerned that it *might* become a pandemic. They and other organizations are researching transmission methods and possibilities.

So far, it is transmitted to humans only from animals. No human to human infections have occurred. But, there is concern about keeping the virus out of food and water supplies.

So, milk has to be pasteurized. All meat should be cooked to 165°. No more rare steaks or prime rib. Butter, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream must be made from pasteurized milk.

Since waterfowl are infected, wetlands, ponds, and lakes can get contaminated. So can wells and water reservoirs. Research has been done on the amount of chlorine needed to sanitize drinking and bathing water.

Less likely but not impossible, water runoff from farms can spread viruses and bacteria to food crops. It already happens sometimes with e-coli. Some small farmers and nearly all Amish still use manure as fertilizer. If that manure comes from infected cows, the soil will be contaminated. I don't know if the virus could be taken up into the crops from their roots, but when the contaminated soil gets gets wet from rain, it can splash up onto the surface of the plants. How long can it stay active in soil? I don't know.

So far masks are not likely to be necessary for most people because most of us do not come in close contact with cows and wild birds or wild cats. But, for people who work on farms around cows, chickens, pigs, and goats in close proximity, N95 masks and gloves are recommended. The virus can be passed by inhaling air droplets and dust in barns, coops, etc. It can also be passed by touch. So farmers, vets, and zoo keepers should remove their shoes before entering their homes so they don't track the virus inside. Also, don't touch your face until after washing your hands.

Several DUers feed and rescue feral cats. BE CAREFUL not to get the flu from them or track it inside to your house pets. Consider wearing masks and gloves when you feed them and removing shoes and outer clothes before going back inside.