The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced on Friday its allocation of $306 million in funding aimed at bolstering bird flu surveillance efforts as the virus continues to spread among dairy herds and farm workers nationwide. This decision comes in the wake of the country’s initial severe human case of bird flu, which was reported in December involving a Louisiana resident. The individual, who had been in critical condition, was suspected to have contracted the virus through contact with an infected backyard flock.
Since April, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have officially confirmed a total of 61 human cases of bird flu, predominantly among workers in dairy farming settings where the virus has affected cattle. However, the CDC has emphasized that the risk posed to the general public by bird flu remains minimal.
In response to the evolving situation, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra underscored the importance of ongoing vigilance, stating, “While the risk to humans remains low, we are always preparing for any possible scenario that could arise.” The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response is set to distribute approximately $183 million to support various regional, state, and local initiatives focused on enhancing hospital readiness and developing treatment centers for infectious pathogens.
Additionally, the CDC will be receiving around $111 million to bolster disease surveillance capabilities and to facilitate the production, storage, and distribution of supplementary influenza diagnostic test kits for surveillance purposes. Meanwhile, the National Institutes of Health will be granted approximately $11 million to advance research efforts geared towards identifying potential pharmaceutical interventions for the disease.
Collaboration between the Department of Health and Human Services and the United States Department of Agriculture remains a key priority, with both agencies actively engaging with federal, state, local, and industry stakeholders to safeguard human and animal health, as well as to ensure the integrity of the food supply chain.
This funding injection underscores the government’s commitment to proactively addressing emerging health threats and underscores the critical importance of sustained vigilance and preparedness in safeguarding public health and well-being.
(Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)
