The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has come under scrutiny for its delayed release of critical data related to a bird flu outbreak in cattle. Scientists have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and accessibility of the information provided by the USDA.
The USDA confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain H5N1 in dairy cows in Texas and Kansas almost a month ago. However, the agency's release of genetic sequences and other crucial details has been described as painfully slow by infectious disease experts.
Despite the USDA's announcement of sharing 239 genetic sequences from the outbreak, researchers have found that the data uploaded to a US server lacks essential information needed to track the evolution of the virus effectively. The sequences were not posted on the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) platform, which is widely used for sharing virus genetic sequences globally.
While the USDA defended its decision to upload raw sequencing data to a public database maintained by the National Library of Medicine for speed, experts argue that the lack of curated sequences hinders comprehensive analysis. Curated sequences, typically shared on GISAID, provide critical details such as the collection date, sample origin, and refined genetic information.
Concerns have been raised about the USDA's transparency and the urgency of sharing complete and accurate data with the global scientific community. Dr. Michael Worobey emphasized the importance of allowing experts worldwide to analyze the data to gain a comprehensive understanding of the outbreak.
Dr. Tom Inglesby highlighted the need for additional information on testing strategies, asymptomatic infections, and outbreak extent to effectively manage the situation. The potential consequences of the virus spreading unchecked underscore the importance of proactive measures and transparent data sharing.
While human-to-human transmission of H5N1 remains limited, the recent infections in animals serve as a reminder of the virus's threat. Experts stress the significance of transparency and global collaboration in monitoring and preparing for potential outbreaks.
The ongoing situation with the bird flu outbreak underscores the need for timely and transparent data sharing to facilitate informed decision-making and global preparedness against emerging infectious diseases.
