The H5N1 bird flu has spread to dairy cattle in the U.S. and Canada, raising concerns about underreported avian influenza cases and potential virus mutations.

Testing for H5N1 has been limited, with only approximately two dozen people tested during the entire outbreak, suggesting a need for expanded testing measures.

The U.S. CDC is responding by introducing an online dashboard for wastewater monitoring, and the federal government is funding increased testing on farms.

Resistance to testing from the animal agriculture industry is complicating efforts, even as bird flu counts rise in U.S. dairy herds.

Scientists are conducting experimental studies to understand H5N1 transmission among mammals and to find ways to eliminate the virus from cattle populations.

In preparation for a potential pandemic, the WHO is ready to produce billions of H5N1 vaccine doses, but challenges such as nationalism, misinformation, and vaccine distribution equity could hinder vaccination campaigns.

Experts emphasize learning from previous health crises to ensure a prompt and effective response to the threat posed by H5N1.