Science Policy Around the Web – May 29, 2024

Companies start work on bird flu vaccines for cows—despite major hurdles

Controlling virus spread is a crucial step for pandemic preparedness and maintaining the health of affected industries – Jon Cohen discusses the roadblocks associated with one control measure. The avian H5N1 strain of influenza virus is closely monitored by scientists due to both its pandemic potential and its impact on the poultry industry. While this strain of influenza is not well adapted to mammals, a lack of preexisting immunity in humans makes it a threat should it ever evolve. Currently, cattle at 51 farms have been infected with H5N1, prompting economic concerns for the dairy industry, public health concerns about virus adaptation to mammalian hosts, and debate about how best to handle the situation.

One possible intervention is to vaccinate cattle. Existing policies, however, may make this difficult. H5N1 is classified as a “select agent” with strict guidelines in place for handling and research. Very few facilities are outfitted to study cattle using appropriate biosafety measures, inhibiting studies of both infection dynamics and vaccine efficacy. Answers to questions about the route of transmission are pivotal for developing a vaccine that induces immunity at the site of infection, and for informing farmers about proper risk-mitigation methods.

Even if an effective vaccine is produced, there may be hesitation to adopt the platform. International trade is a significant portion of the US dairy market, but trade partners are wary of vaccinated animals. Additionally, increased biosecurity measures may control the spread of the virus, and the cost of vaccinating cattle may outweigh the losses associated with infection. The potential economic impacts of vaccinating cattle, as well as the associated costs, may cause dairy farmers to forego this protective measure.

The jury is still out on whether a vaccine will be adopted as an intervention for H5N1 control, but studies contributing to its development are already underway.

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Original article by: Jon Cohen, Science

Article summary by: Megan R. Hockman, PhD