Disease experts hoping to avoid another pandemic say a lack of bird flu testing means the US is "flying blind." Latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates 101 cow herds across the nation have tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus, spanning 12 different states. This has led to the CDC and World Health Organization warning the disease has "pandemic potential," yet only 45 people have been tested so far.
Former CDC director warns ‘it’s just a matter of time’ before bird flu pandemic Bird flu outbreak fears soar as virus survives milk pasteurization in test "We're flying blind," Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health, told CBS . Her thoughts were echoed by Dr Rick Bright, a virologist and former director at the Department of Health and Human Service, who spoke days after a third case of human infection emerged in the US. IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE MAP, CLICK HERE.
Bright fears the virus could be in the process of mutating, making humans more susceptible to infection. And a lack of testing would mean some cases go undetected - meaning there is a risk of catching any spread late. "I'm more worried right now about the information and the data that we're missing," he told PBS .
"We're being blindfolded in this battle right now, and I'm really concerned that the virus is winning the game and getting ahead of us." CDC epidemiologists say bird flu poses a "low risk to the general public" .