CDC Study Finds Bird Flu Strains May Show Increased Potential for Human Infection

Why it matters locally: California's poultry industry, one of the nation's largest, may face increased regulatory scrutiny and potential trade restrictions if these H7 virus strains are detected in state flocks.

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Atlanta, Ga. — Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests particular strains of North American avian influenza A H7 viruses exhibit properties that could enhance their ability to infect humans. The CDC study also indicates a potential increase in the viruses' capacity to spread between humans. Scientists are conducting further research to assess the implications of these findings.