This ability to infect, spread between, and kill such a wide range of creatures has prompted some scientists to call H5N1 a “panzootic”: an epidemic that leaps species barriers and can devastate diverse animal populations, posing a threat to humans too. As shrinking habitats, biodiversity loss and intensified farming create perfect incubators for infectious diseases to jump from one species to another, some scientists say panzootics could become one of the era’s defining threats to human health and security.

Something to look foward to /s

  • @[email protected]
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    120 hours ago

    How close does the other species need to be to transmit? Could I catch something from a dog, or even a republican?

    • @Jesusaurus
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      118 hours ago

      The latter implies you are in close proximity to them. The current recommendation is to keep yourself distanced from them to avoid contagion.