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Why Is The Current Bird Flu So Deadly?

What’s making the latest strain of bird flu so deadly? Avian influenza used to mostly affect poultry, and while it continues to decimate poultry populations around the world, the latest strain, H5N1, is spreading widely among wild birds. It also seems to be spreading to mammals more frequently.

“Something is quite different about this virus this go around,” Rebecca Poulson, a wildlife disease researcher at the University of Georgia, told Nature.

Researchers aren’t sure why the current outbreak hasn’t disappeared, but they believe mutations may have increased its ability to replicate or to infect a broader range of species.

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Genetic Resistance to Post-Weaning Diarrhea - Dr. Vahab Farzan

Video: Genetic Resistance to Post-Weaning Diarrhea - Dr. Vahab Farzan



In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Vahab Farzan from the University of Guelph explains why post-weaning diarrhea remains a major challenge for swine production. He discusses genetics, gut microorganisms, immunity, diagnostics, and targeted vaccination strategies to improve disease prevention. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Some pigs are genetically resistant to pathogenic E. coli because they lack the specific receptors required for bacterial attachment.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Vahab Farzan / vahab-farzan-b076445 is a Research Scientist, Adjunct Professor, and Associated Graduate Faculty at the University of Guelph. With a DVM, MSc, and PhD, Dr. Farzan's research focuses on infectious diseases in swine, including bacterial pathogens, gut microorganisms, epidemiology, and strategies to improve animal health. Learn more from Dr. Vahab Farzan on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.