Results: Bird flu virus shows mutations in first severe human case in US, CDC says

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday its analysis of samples from the first severe case of bird flu in the country last week showed mutations not seen in samples from an infected backyard flock on the patient's property. The CDC said the patient's sample showed mutations in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, the part of the virus that plays a key role in it attaching to host cells. The health body said, opens new tab the risk to the general public from the outbreak has not changed and remains low. Are you concerned about bird flu being possibly the next pandemic or at least a serious illness?

Bird flu ripped through a Washington state wildlife sanctuary, killing 20 big cats, the center said in a Facebook post, calling the deaths a "significant loss." Health officials confirmed that more than half of the sanctuary's animals had contracted avian influenza, the Facebook post stated. The virus primarily spreads through infected bird secretions and droppings. Carnivorous mammals can contract it by coming into contact with infected birds or a contaminated environment. If you have outdoor cats, are you considering bringing them inside due to the bird flu?