We don't need another pandemic. The H5N1 virus, also known as avian influenza, has the potential to cause severe illness and death in humans. Early detection through testing is crucial to prevent an outbreak. Immediate action is necessary to safeguard public health and prevent a crisis similar to COVID-19.

When dangerous novel pathogens emerge among humans, there is only a small window of time in which to stop them before they spiral out of control. Neither our animal farming practices nor our public health tools seem up to the task. The C.D.C. says it is monitoring H5N1 data from emergency rooms for any signs of an outbreak. By the time enough people are sick enough to be noticed in emergency rooms, it is almost certainly too late to prevent one.

We might be fine. Viruses don’t always manage to adapt to new species, despite all the opportunities. But if there is a bird flu pandemic soon, it will be among the most foreseeable catastrophes in history.

Please sign this petition to urge health authorities to implement wider human testing for H5N1 now.