00:00Bird flu is rearing its ugly head once again, and experts are now warning that it could be mutating and becoming more dangerous.
00:07Scientists have now confirmed that the virus is spreading from direct transmission between mammals.
00:12Cornell University virologist Diego Diel says that this could pose a significant health threat to humans in the future.
00:18With the expert telling the Cornell Chronicle recently,
00:21this is the first time that we are seeing evidence of efficient and sustained mammalian-to-mammalian transmission.
00:26The particular strain has been officially named B3.13 of the H5N1 virus.
00:32It has already been responsible for the deaths of some 90 million birds in the U.S. alone so far.
00:37It has also been widespread in seal populations and more recently in cows, likely where the animal-to-human transmissions began.
00:44Experts say that infection rates in humans are still low, with only 11 cases confirmed so far.
00:50Still, it was reported a few weeks ago that mutations within our species have resulted in new symptoms, including a cough.
00:56These mutations occur when the H5N1 virus effectively steals genes from other flu viruses, letting it take on new properties.
01:04Authorities say your best defense is keeping good hygiene, especially when around wild birds or cattle.
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