Bird Flu continues to be an interesting subject now that I understand what is going on a bit better. Here's what I can gather:
1. The virus is literally flying around the globe inside of migratory birds. 51 countries have found the virus and it is killing birds and now mammals like cats.
2. In order for this virus to really be a concern for us humans it needs to learn how to infect us. The virus can easily infect birds because it's hemagluttenin (HA) as an affinity for bird intestines. Once that HA learns to have an affinity for human respiratory systems then we're in trouble.
There are signs that this is starting to happen. One of the samples taken in Turkey showed a change in one of the HA areas, one that has more affinity for humans.
3. Knowing what changes are happening to the virus is extremely important. One could argue that it is the single most important bit of information we as the human race could obtain but some countries are refusing to share their samples in a public manner. Instead they are placing their data in a password protected Word Health Organization website. They hope to make money off of the vaccine and don't want to share thier findings. This will probably prove to be a very costly mistake.
4. The language out of the U.S. officials is starting to get ramped up. The Director of Health and Human Services is telling the media to prepare for long periods of food shortages. Robert Webster, world-renowned virologist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, consultant to the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases recently said "About even odds at this time for the virus to learn how to transmit human to human. As the virus continues to expand its range as it's continuing to do into Africa, India and so on, I think it's got about a 50-50 chance of acquiring those characteristics. It's done so before, why not this time?"
