Bird flu in cows

The National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa, is at the forefront of research to combat the recent bird flu outbreak affecting livestock, particularly cows. The facility, which employs 43 scientists, is developing a vaccine aimed at preventing the virus's spread and ultimately reducing the risk of it becoming a zoonotic disease. Established in 1961, the center has a history of creating vaccines for various animal diseases and gained prominence for its work during the H1N1 pandemic. Richard Webby, a flu researcher at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, noted that the Ames facility possesses unique resources and expertise not commonly found in the U.S. The center's 523-acre campus includes advanced laboratory buildings designed for high-containment research on infected animals. With the bird flu's emergence in cows, this Iowa center's work is increasingly critical in safeguarding both animal and public health.