As bird flu sweeps across US poultry and cattle farms, researchers are racing to find ways to contain the outbreaks before they ignite a human pandemic. Now, a team of scientists has developed a fresh approach: the first mRNA bird-flu vaccine for cattle.

Citing concerns about mRNA technology, the Trump administration has pulled funding for a vaccine, even though Moderna says it causes "a rapid, potent and durable immune response."

The department cited Moderna’s use of the messenger RNA technology, which it said “remains under-tested,” for the cancellation of the funding.