Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Anna G. Eshoo has written to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra expressing her concerns about the ongoing avian flu outbreak among livestock and humans in ten states. Eshoo requested additional information on HHS’ agency-wide plan to track, contain, and combat the virus to ensure a strong, comprehensive response to this and future outbreaks.
The close contact between affected mammals and people raises growing concerns about the spread of H5N1 among various species. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the risk to the general public is low, there is a heightened potential for a highly infectious virus to emerge and transmit among humans.
Eshoo expressed her need for additional support to complement the work of the CDC and ensure a whole-of-government response to the outbreak. She asked HHS how they are collaborating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to protect workers, particularly those in close proximity to affected livestock. Additionally, Eshoo inquired about HHS’ plans to distribute medical countermeasures like vaccines and antiviral medications, with a focus on prioritizing high-risk populations. She also wanted to know how HHS plans to use recently announced funding to increase manufacturing and testing capacity.
Eshoo requested responses to her questions by June 21st and provided a link to the full letter for more information.
As avian flu continues its spread among mammals like poultry and dairy cattle in ten states, it increases the likelihood of a highly infectious virus emerging that can be transmitted among humans due to their close contact with affected animals. Although CDC reports that
