Will bird flu spark a human pandemic? Scientists say the risk is rising Nature - H5N1 is adapting to new mammalian hosts, raising the possibility of the virus spreading between humans. Kozlov, Max nature

Although many of the infections have been mild, emerging data indicate that variants of the avian influenza virus H5N1 that are spreading in North America can cause severe disease and death, especially when passed directly to humans from birds. The virus is also adapting to new hosts — cows and other mammals — raising the risk that it could spark a human pandemic.

As 1st bird flu death reported in US, what could happen with virus in 2025? The CDC says the risk of bird flu to the general public is low, but public health experts say they are worried the virus could mutate and become more transmissible. ABC News ABC News

...public health experts say they are worried the virus could mutate and become more transmissible, amplifying the need to ramp up testing and to stockpile vaccines.

Key warning signs about bird flu are all going in the wrong direction This year has been marked by concerning developments in the virus’ spread, including widespread detections in wastewater and mutations observed in the virus. NBC News

...No bird flu transmission between humans has been documented, and the CDC maintains that the immediate risk to public health is low. But scientists are increasingly worried, based on four key signals.