The Trump administration has cancelled Moderna's contract for the late-stage development of its bird flu vaccine. Originally awarded $590 million by the Biden administration, Moderna is now seeking alternatives for development.

Over the past three years, avian influenza (H5N1) has spread around the U.S. and affected many species of birds and mammals, including humans. Experts at a recent webinar offered answers to common questions about the disease — how it spreads,

The availability of infected bird carcasses has also contributed to spillover into mammals. Cases have been described in more than 60 mammalian species. This includes wild mammals, especially carnivores such as skunks, foxes and even seals and whales.

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza more than doubled in mammals in 2024 from the year before, according to the a new report.