The spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 among animals is unprecedented having been found on all continents — except Oceania — with the United Nations calling it “a global zoonotic animal pandemic.”H5N1 is known to be able to infect over 350 species of birds and close to 60 species of mammals with migratory waterfowl — including ducks, swans, geese and gulls — being especially susceptible to various avian-borne influenza viruses. H5N1 infected waterfowl are normally asymptomatic carriers, however, these birds can infect other species (including mammals) along their migratory routes. This global transference allows disease to spread, and for virus genetics and virulence to continually adapt.Alarmingly, evidence indicates that climate change seems to be impacting the emergence of zoonotic viruses like H5N1. As global climate conditions change, avian migratory patterns and routes are also changing. Higher temperatures and extreme weather has resulted in large-scale population shifts in a range of temperate species. These changes have led to diseases emerging in areas — and in genetic configurations — entirely unique and unprecedented.H5N1 is a clear indication that disease monitoring and response efforts are an essential part of any climate change adaptation and mitigation strategy.H5N1The ecology and genetics of H5N1 viruses have evolved significantly since first being detected in China in 1997.The H5N1 virus has been detected in the polar regions and the first confirmed case of a polar bear dying from H5N1 was recorded in Alaska in 2022. Antarctica has seen significant rates of mortality in its native elephant and fur seal populations as a result of viral exposure.Non-migratory wild birds are highly susceptible to H5N1 infections brought on the wings of their more transitory cousins. There have been approximately 75,000 bird casualties globally as per the World Animal Health Information System. However, efforts to accurately estimate the total number of wild birds which have died as a result of H5N1 are hampered by issues in data quality and availability.Meanwhile, a 2022 report on the state of wild birds in the United States estimated that over three billion birds have been lost in part due to climate related factors.  A report on H5N1 produced by PBS NewsHour.On land, the H5N1 virus has been detected in dairy cattle, and in 2024, a Texas agricultural worker was infected with H5N1. These cases suggest that H5N1 is adapting to infect mammalian hosts.In March of this year, reports began to emerge of unusual deaths in young goats on a farm in Minnesota. That same farm had individuals in its poultry flock test positive for H5N1 and the goats and poultry shared similar spaces and water sources. It was later determined that the H5N1 strains in both the poultry and goats were highly related.In May of 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the detection of H5N1 in alpacas on a farm in Idaho. Similar to previous cases, this farm also had a backyard poultry population test positive for H5N1 with unusually high amounts of the virus detected across the farm. To date, 12 states in the U.S. have reported outbreaks of H5N1 with 101 dairy herds affected.The discoveries of H5N1 on farms, alongside recent analysis of viral dispersal patterns, reiterate the importance of climate change shifting the migratory patterns of birds in the spread of viruses around the globe.Climate change and H5N1There is increasing evidence that climate change is accelerating the global spread and emergence of new H5N1 variants with evidence that wider seasonal variation is enabling the emergence of novel H5N1 variants.In North America, the warmer winters and earlier onset of spring which global warming is causing could allow some moisture-reliant pathogens to survive and spread more easily. Meanwhile, cooler and wetter conditions can enhance the survival of influenza viruses in bird droppings and contaminated water.Simply put, the spread of influenza viruses around the globe is dictated by their ability to survive long enough in a place to be able to transmit elsewhere — and climate change is, in some cases, making this survival more likely.The recent cases of poultry-to-human and cattle-to-human transmissions underscore the threats posed by these viruses and the importance of understanding how climate change is affecting their spread.Implications and mitigationThe H5N1 virus poses a significant threat to public health and the recent cases in the U.S. — coupled with H5N1’s high mortality rates in humans — underscores the need for vigilant monitoring.Dealing with viruses is always a challenge, however, climate change is upending many conventional understandings as shifting waterfowl migration patterns and environmental conditions force us to change strategies. Strengthening health-care infrastructure, and educating communities about H5N1 risks are essential components of a comprehensive response strategy.Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as improving biosecurity in poultry and cattle farms, reducing livestock population density and enhancing barn ventilation systems, is crucial. Innovative smart farming technology can also help track viral infections in poultry barns.Conservation efforts are essential to maintain healthy ecosystems and minimize viral spread. Restoring natural habitats can mitigate the effects of climate change on wild bird populations, thereby reducing the risk of H5N1 spillover.In the future, global leaders will need to be vigilant with respect to the trajectory of H5N1. International collaboration on disease management will be crucial for implementing climate adaptation strategies to safeguard the health of both our planet and its inhabitants against viruses like H5N1.Nitish Boodhoo, Research Associate, Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph and Shayan Sharif, Professor of Immunology and Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, University of GuelphThis article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Kathy Maniscalco, an artist living in El Dorado, Santa Fe, New Mexico, had an extraordinary encounter that would leave many wildlife enthusiasts envious. One fine day, a mama bobcat and her adorable kittens paid a visit to her porch. El Dorado, known for its nearly 3,000 households, isn’t typically a place where one would expect... The post Woman spots mama bobcat and her ‘feisty’ cubs on her porch and starts recording appeared first on Animal Channel.

Blaze News managing editor Leon Wolf, who’s usually behind the scenes, found himself on “The Glenn Beck Program” this morning. This rare occurrence is due to an even rarer occurrence when Dr. Richard Ebright — a molecular biologist who’s long avoided the public eye, preferring to speak mostly in esoteric circles — agreed to an interview with Wolf. His conversation with Dr. Ebright is laid out in detail in his latest article “Lab wars: Inside one Democrat's 20-year crusade to save the world from Anthony Fauci — Part 1: 2001-2014.” Wolf appeared on Glenn’s program to talk about this article. This Doctor Warned About Fauci 20 Years Ago. Will We Listen Before It’s Too Late? youtu.be “There's been a lot of discussion about gain-of-function research, and I wanted to get an understanding,” says Wolf. For those unfamiliar with the term, gain-of-function research is the practice of tampering with organisms (i.e. viruses) to alter their biological function (i.e. increase virulence, transmissibility, etc.). The deeper Wolf dove into the research — including reports dating all the way back to 2001 — “there was one name that continued to pop up over and over and over again.” “His name is Dr. Richard Ebright,” and it turns out he’s been warning people about Anthony Fauci “for two decades.” After 9/11, as the fear of bioweapons mounted, Anthony Fauci began touting gain-of-function research, claiming that it would make us safer. Dr. Ebright, however, claimed the opposite — that it would be our demise. “Ebright’s position, which I think has been vindicated, is that the more biological agents that you put in the hands of researchers, the more dangerous — and not less dangerous — it would make it because historically (and this is true), most biological attacks have not been carried out by terrorists; they've been carried out by people who are researchers,” says Wolf, noting that Ebright also correctly predicted that an “authorized government researcher” was responsible for the 2001 Anthrax outbreak. Fast forward to 2020, and Ebright’s prediction that Fauci’s obsession with gain-of-function research would culminate into a catastrophe of epic proportions came true. And yet during the pandemic, “Fauci [convinced] the world that he's somehow the good guy in all this,” says Wolf. However, four years have passed since COVID swept the globe, and skepticism regarding the virus’ origins are at an all-time high. Perhaps the world is finally ready to hear Dr. Ebright. To learn more about Fauci’s role in the COVID-19 pandemic, check out “The Coverup,” BlazeTV’s new docuseries that deep dives into the origins of COVID-19, as well as the collusion between the government, the media, academics, and public health bureaucrats to ensure the narrative surrounding the virus remained untouchable. Want more from Glenn Beck?To enjoy more of Glenn’s masterful storytelling, thought-provoking analysis, and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

Denver, Colorado, plans to spend $5 million of former COVID relief funds on a contract to place homeless individuals in subsidized apartments over the next two years, the Denver Post recently reported.In 2023, Mayor Mike Johnston (D) closed 10 shelter encampments despite the increase of illegal aliens arriving in the city. Johnston then announced the All in Mile High initiative, previously called the House1000, to provide shelter accommodations to 2,000 individuals. 'They are better able to deal with challenges that may have led to their homelessness.'As part of that ongoing initiative, the mayor now plans to allocate funds toward providing more long-term transitional housing in addition to converting hotels into temporary shelter spaces.Johnston’s office said that the initiative will cost taxpayers nearly $90 million for 2023 and 2024, the Denver Post reported.The $5 million contract, which runs from May 1, 2024, to May 31, 2026, with the nonprofit Housing Connector, will help 250 households with move-in financial assistance and rental subsidies. The Center Square reported that the organization will provide one year of full rental and utility assistance, a stability fund, mitigation and risk, mediation services, and case management.A document provided to the city council read, “By connecting people with a home and providing them with rental assistance and supportive services to stay in their home, they are better able to deal with challenges that may have led to their homelessness, such as obtaining employment or substance abuse issues.”On Monday, City Council members voted 8-2 to authorize the contract with Housing Connector. The nonprofit will coordinate rentals directly with landlords and property managers, and case managers will work with individuals to achieve long-term housing plans.The program will be financed through the city’s American Rescue Plan Act funds, which were once earmarked for COVID relief.The mayor’s office recently came under fire for quietly sending illegal aliens to Salt Lake City, Utah, to reduce the number of individuals relying on Denver’s public assistance programs.In May, a large group of illegal immigrants who had sent up an encampment refused to dismantle the makeshift tent city and move into taxpayer-funded indoor shelters that provide three meals per day. The group sent a list of 13 demands the city would need to agree to before they would be willing to get off the street. The list stated that Denver must provide them with the ability to cook their own food, free ingredients, shower access without time limits, medical professional visits, employment support, and free immigration lawyers.A report from the Common Sense Institute revealed that more than 42,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in Denver over the last year and a half. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Senior political commentator Van Jones highlighted how high the stakes are for President Joe Biden for next week's presidential debate as the concerns have only gotten louder over Biden's mental acuity.The debate against former President Donald Trump is on Thursday in Atlanta, hosted by CNN. Among the rules for the debate, microphones will be cut when speaking out of turn, and there is no live audience. Due to a coin toss, Trump will be given the last word. 'This is the whole presidency in a bottle in a week.'In preparation for the debate, Biden will be spending a week at Camp David. "This is the entire election, as far as I’m concerned. The entire world will be watching. There — if you are a carbon-based life form, you’re going to be watching. If you’ve got a functioning brain stem, you’re going to be watching, because, if Biden goes out there and messes up, it’s game over," Van Jones said."If he walks out there and a week later he’s lower in the polls, it’s panic in the party. But if he goes in there and he can handle himself against Donald Trump, a runaway train, a locomotive, a raging bull, then this guy deserves another shot to be president, because that is tough," he continued. "You couldn’t do it. I couldn’t do it. If you can stand toe to toe with a runaway train like Donald Trump for an hour-and-a-half, you are fit to be president, period, point blank. This is the whole presidency in a bottle in a week." CNN commentator: If Biden goes out there and messes up at the debate, 'it's game over' www.youtube.com There has been a "senior moment" in nearly every single one of Biden's public appearances the past few months. From freezing up onstage to consistently mumbling entire sentences, it remains to be seen how well Biden will perform in the match against Trump.For his part, Trump is spending the week before the debate by hosting rallies in different states. Fresh off his recent trip to Wisconsin, there is a Trump rally in downtown Philadelphia on Saturday. It has been reported Trump will not be conducting mock debates, a staple in political campaigns.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

The United States Department of the Treasury announced on Thursday that it levied sanctions against eight leaders of a Mexican cartel, according to a department press release.Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto that the individuals were affiliated with the La Nueva Familia Michoacana cartel, which has been involved in drug trafficking and human smuggling operations across the southern border. According to the department, the group has trafficked fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine into the U.S.'Isn’t the better solution ... to just shut down the border – entirely?'“La Nueva Familia Michoacana is one of the most powerful and violent cartels in Mexico and has become a priority focus of the Mexican government in recent years,” the press release from the Treasury Department read.In addition to the sanctions, the department issued an advisory “to highlight critical new information to help U.S. banks and other financial institutions guard against activity associated with the illicit fentanyl supply chain.”“The advisory includes new trends and red flags that can be indicators of activity associated with the procurement of precursor chemicals and manufacturing equipment used for the synthesis of illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids,” the press release added.Yellen released a statement explaining that the opioid crisis, fueled by the cartel, has “devastated communities and claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans.”“President Biden and I are committed to using every tool we have to target illicit fentanyl and its precursor chemicals so we can disrupt these deadly supply chains,” Yellen stated. “Treasury has unique capabilities and expertise to target the financial flows of these cartels who are poisoning our communities, and going after them is a top priority for me and the Department.”During her Thursday interview with Cavuto, the Fox News anchor pressed Yellen on the Biden administration’s open border crisis.“Isn’t the better solution, and maybe it addresses what you’re doing here, secretary, to just shut down the border – entirely?” Cavuto asked. “Just lock it down, that’s what Donald Trump wants to do. What do you say?”Yellen avoided directly answering the question and replied, “Well, um, you know, my concern today is with, um, fentanyl trafficking, drug trafficking, and I’d say ...”Cavuto interrupted Yellen and asked whether shutting down the southern border would solve her concerns about drug trafficking. “Well, look, the most, the most impactful tool we have is, um, to put in place sophisticated drug detection equipment, and that’s what President Biden has done is, um, not to shut down the border entirely,” Yellen responded. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

WATCH Sen. John Kennedy Make Biden Nominee for First Circuit Court of Appeals SQUIRM As Only He Can

Good News: Trump Just Nuked One Advantage Biden Did Have in Campaign

President Joe Biden's personal attorney indicated he's preparing for possible legal challenges after November's general election, Politico reported.

Reclusive billionaire Timothy Mellon, a day after former President Donald Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts in New York City, donated $50 million to the pro-Trump super PAC Make America Great Again Inc.