Dr. Peter McCullough believes it’s time to be proactive

Over the past year, Dr. Peter McCullough and team have been following the bird flu outbreak. There hasn’t been much reason for concern—or alarm. Until now.

Enter the D1.1 genotype

• Since 2023, the majority of cattle and human infections have been associated with genotype B3.13, resulting in mild illness.
• In contrast, genotype D1.1 has been detected and associated with one death in Louisiana and a severe case of H5N1 in Canada. This genotype has historically been associated with a 50% mortality rate in humans. (1)
• What makes this genotype different than the B1.13 genotype circulating in dairy cattle is the potential for severity of symptoms in humans.
• D1.1 genotype of the H5N1 avian influenza virus has been the predominant genotype that has been infecting wild bird populations globally over the past 2+ years.
• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) identified D1.1, a new genotype of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in dairy cattle in Churchill County, Nevada on January 31st, 2025. It is believed the virus jumped from birds to cattle early October/late December 2024 when it was discovered during routine milk testing on one farm. (2)

Pigs as the ideal candidate to accommodate human-to-human transmission

Image from Focal Point Substack

• Receptor compatibility: Pigs possess both avian-type and human-type receptors in their respiratory tract, allowing infection by both avian and human influenza viruses. (3)
• Genetic reassortment: When a pig is infected with multiple influenza strains, the viruses can swap genetic material, potentially creating new viral strains with enhanced ability to infect humans.
• Close contact with humans: Pigs are domesticated animals in close proximity to humans, increasing transmission chances.
• Adaptation potential: The pig's physiology allows avian viruses to adapt and gain mutations that could make them more transmissible to humans. (4,5)

Culling and vaccinations are not the answer

• Widespread culling is not a sustainable solution. Reinfection from migratory waterfowl will perpetuate the cycle, and culling exposes workers to infection.
• Experimental mRNA injections could add to the problem, causing more health problems in chickens and unknown consequences to our food supply.
• Selective culling of test-positive sick birds and breeding for natural immunity is a far better answer.
• An immediate halt to gain-of-function research is absolutely necessary to eliminate artificially enhanced pathogens from escaping or being deliberately released.

What you can do to prepare

The eventuality of this new genotype, given the high probability it will jump human-to-human in the future, is alarming. Unlike the COVID era panic, we do have time; use this time wisely.

• Using povidone-iodine-based nasal gargles and sprays (such as Immune Mist™) has proven to prevent viral transmission.
• Stock up on antivirals that are effective against influenza viruses, such as generic Tamiflu™ (included in our Contagion Emergency Kit).
• Follow our Bird Flu page for accurate, up-to-date, no-media-hype information to keep you and your family informed and safe.

Citations

1. Rajaram, R., et al. (2024). Human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus — Case fatality rate and clinical spectrum. New England Journal of Medicine.
2. Virological.org (2024). Timing and molecular characterisation of the transmission to cattle of H5N1 influenza A virus genotype D1-1 clade 2.3.4.4b.
3. Ma W, Kahn RE, Richt JA. The pig as a mixing vessel for influenza viruses: Human and veterinary implications. J Mol Genet Med. 2008.
4. Lauring, A. (2024, November 14). Why bird flu's jump to pigs is concerning. Michigan Health Lab Blog.
5. Carbajal, A. (2024, October 23). A pig in the US tested positive for bird flu, raising concerns about a human outbreak. Business Insider.
6. Hulscher, N., & McCullough, P. A. (2024). Routine iodine vs. hypertonic saline nasal sprays for H5N1 prevention in dairy and cattle frontline workers. The Focal Points.

Written By Brooke Lounsbury