Canada takes 618 days to report bird flu data

A new study reveals that Canada is the slowest country to report bird flu genetic information, taking an average of 618 days. This is much longer than the global average of about seven months. The research, published in Nature Biotechnology, emphasizes the need for faster reporting to help track and prevent potential human pandemics. Dr. Sarah Otto, a zoology professor, and doctoral student Sean Edgerton explain the importance of rapid data submission. They highlight the H5N1 flu strain, which has impacted the poultry and dairy industries and could evolve to spread among humans. Tracking the virus’s genetic changes can provide early warnings and guide public health responses, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers examined nearly 19,000 H5N1 samples from 2021 to 2024 using the Global Initiative for Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). They found that while other countries had much shorter reporting times, Canada lagged significantly. The fastest nations, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, reported in just 25 days. Delays in Canada's reporting may be due to the involvement of multiple institutions and lack of dedicated funding for monitoring H5N1 in wildlife. Dr. Otto is optimistic that Canada can improve its performance. The country reduced COVID data delays from 88 days to just 16 days, showing that faster reporting is achievable. She stresses that Canada must enhance its monitoring of H5N1 to keep the nation and its neighbors informed about any dangerous changes in the virus.