India has secured $25 million from the Pandemic Fund to bolster animal health security, aiming to prevent future pandemics. This initiative will strengthen disease surveillance, expand lab networks, and improve livestock livelihoods, contributing to both human and animal health. The government is also conducting the 21st Livestock Census, providing crucial data to improve the sector’s efficiency.
The emergence of H5N1 virus in dairy cow herds has raised concerns about a potential influenza pandemic. Global flu vaccine production capacity is inadequate to vaccinate a large portion of the world’s population in the first year of a pandemic. The use of adjuvants could lower vaccine dosage requirements, but adjuvant supply remains a bottleneck. Stockpiled H5N1 vaccines in the US may offer some protection, but their efficacy and availability are uncertain. mRNA vaccines may play a role, but more data is needed to assess their effectiveness and scalability. Equitable distribution of vaccines during a pandemic remains a challenge, with low- and middle-income countries potentially facing limited access.
According to a recent survey, a majority of experts believe that the next pandemic is likely to be caused by a flu virus strain. This concern stems from the long-term research on influenza, which shows that while seasonal outbreaks are typically controlled, a new strain with increased virulence could lead to a global outbreak. The flu virus is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause severe symptoms, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Vaccination remains the most effective way to curb its spread, and experts emphasize the importance of personal hygiene practices to minimize the risk of transmission. Additionally, scientists are also monitoring the potential for avian influenza virus (H5N1) to evolve and pose a threat to humans.
