This ‘minor’ bird flu strain has potential to spark human pandemic

Bird Flu Strain H9N2: A Potential Pandemic Threat

A team of scientists has found that the H9N2 bird flu virus, often considered a minor strain, has adapted to human cells and may have the potential to spark a human pandemic.

Although the virus mostly causes minor disease in birds, experiments suggest it has become better adapted to infect people. However, cases of person-to-person transmission have not been reported yet.

The researchers say more surveillance of the virus is needed.

The focus has been on the avian influenza virus H5N1 in recent years, but scientists are now concerned about the spread of other bird viruses, including H9N2.

Author's summary: H9N2 bird flu virus may spark human pandemic.

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Nature Nature — 2025-10-27

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