When it comes to the potential of H5N1 avian flu, otherwise known as bird flu, picking up mutations that may lead to human-to-human spread, that "train has already left the station," warns one infectious disease expert.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 67 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the US since 2024. In 64 of those cases, infection has been linked to animal exposure, primarily through dairy cattle herds and poultry farms.

Bird flu hits Nevada as its effects remain visible at grocery stores. Susanne Rust hated to say it, but she did: “I think the H5N1 bird flu outbreak is going to continue to pest

The detection indicates that distinct forms of the virus known as Type A H5N1 have spilled over from wild birds into cattle at least twice. Experts said it raises new questions about wider spread and the difficulty of controlling infections in animals and the people who work closely with them.

State officials say the highly pathogenic avian influenza – more commonly known as bird flu – is widespread in much of the state.

The new strain, D1.1, is different from the strain, B3.13, that has been detected in other dairy herds throughout the country, but has been connected to serious infections in humans.

"I think the length of the road before [we see] a mutation that allows easier entry into our lungs is much shorter than people think."