A highly pathogenic strain of H5N1 bird flu has spread worldwide since 2020, killing millions of poultry and other birds. Now, it’s threatening marine mammals, with devastating outbreaks in elephant seals and sea lions in South America. Experts warn that the virus is adapting to mammals, raising concerns about its potential to spread to humans. The current outbreaks in dairy cows and mink suggest that H5N1 may be on the brink of becoming transmissible among people. Scientists emphasize the need for increased monitoring, international cooperation, and proactive measures to prevent a human pandemic.