New mutations identified in the avian influenza virus
The avian influenza virus spreading across dairy farms in several states has acquired dozens of new mutations, including some that could make it better at spreading between species and less susceptible to antiviral drugs, according to a new study.None of the mutations in themselves are cause for alarm. But they highlight the possibility that, as the epidemic continues, the virus could evolve in ways that would allow it to spread easily among people, experts said.“The flu mutates all the time — that's what, in a sense, the flu does,” said Richard Webby, a flu expert at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, who was not involved in the work.“The real key would be if we started to see some of these mutations become more widespread,” Dr. Webby said. “This would increase the level of ...