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As bird flu continues to spread, what’s the risk of a human pandemic?

As bird flu continues to spread, what’s the risk of a human pandemic?

 

  The Conversation

is an independent, nonprofit publisher of commentary and analysis, authored by academics and edited by journalists for the general public. On a mission “to promote truthful information and strengthen journalism by unlocking the rich diversity of academic research for audiences across America,” they publish short articles by academics on timely topics related to their research. CU Boulder provides funding as a member of The Conversation U.S.

Avian influenza viruses have evolved to infect birds, but the current H5N1 outbreak is also infecting a wide range of mammals. This suggests it could mutate into forms that threaten humans. CU expert Sara Sawyer and doctoral students Emma Worden-Sapper and Sharon Wu answer four questions on The Conversation.