A groundbreaking trial has commenced in the UK and US to test a new bird flu vaccine for humans, with thousands of participants expected to enrol. The study, which particularly encourages poultry farmers and individuals with close contact with birds to sign up, aims to proactively address the growing threat posed by the A(H5N1) strain.
Experts warn that while the virus is "evolving and spreading" rapidly among animals, and does not yet easily transmit between people, the potential for human-to-human transmission must be treated "as a real possibility". This trial represents a significant step in pandemic preparedness.
