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

Why it matters locally: Florida's poultry industry and wildlife management agencies may need to heighten monitoring protocols given the state's year-round bird populations and agricultural operations.

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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.