It claims that after learning from the COVID pandemic, it wants to be “better prepared” for public health emergencies.
Despite outbreaks in cattle and poultry, bird flu does not pose a serious threat to humans.
However, scientists are striving to develop a vaccine that can be promptly released in the event that the virus mutates and becomes a threat.
Moderna’s COVID vaccine is based on mRNA technology, which allows for the faster production of vaccines.
Furthermore, the US government claims that having this technology in its pandemic-flu toolbox improves its capacity to combat bird flu with “nimble and quick” response times.
The US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Fund contributed $176 million.
Although this strain has long been present in birds, recent outbreaks have also affected several other animals, including cattle.
Some speculate that the virus may eventually adapt and begin to spread easily among people, which could have dangerous repercussions.
There is currently no indication of this.
In a few rare instances, people have contracted it after coming into contact with diseased animals.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control, the virus can cause symptoms in humans that range from minor illnesses like upper respiratory and eye infections to potentially lethal illnesses like pneumonia.
