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Former Officials Warn: U.S. Unprepared for Future Bird Flu Pandemic
The Trump administration’s decision to cancel $766 million in funding for mRNA-based bird flu vaccine development is drawing sharp criticism from public health and biosecurity experts. They warn the move significantly weakens America’s ability to respond rapidly to future pandemics, particularly the growing threat of H5N1 avian flu.
Beth Cameron, a former White House pandemic preparedness official, called the cancellation “a signal that we are changing our posture on pandemic preparedness — and that is not good for the American people.” Other experts echo the warning, saying the U.S. may now have to rely on foreign countries for vaccines if a new pandemic strikes.
Critical Setback to Pandemic Readiness and Vaccine Infrastructure
The U.S. had previously invested in rapid vaccine response systems following lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategy focused on domestic production, fast deployment, and maintaining a ready public health infrastructure.
However, the Trump administration has reversed course. Under current leadership:
- Health agencies such as BARDA have been destabilized
- The top U.S. vaccine adviser resigned citing an “assault on scientific truth”
- Major cuts have been proposed for HHS and CDC budgets
- A quarter of HHS staff have departed
- $500 million was instead invested in older, slower vaccine technology abandoned decades ago
Experts warn this regression threatens the very systems meant to protect Americans in a public health crisis.
mRNA Vaccine Platform Abandoned Amid Bird Flu Threat
The most urgent emerging pandemic threat is H5N1 avian influenza, which has recently infected cattle and dozens of people in the U.S. Moderna had been developing an mRNA-based vaccine with federal support, with plans to pre-purchase doses before a pandemic hit. That plan has now been scrapped.
Scientists say mRNA platforms allow for faster, safer vaccine development compared to older methods relying on eggs or cell cultures, which take up to 10 months and are vulnerable to supply chain disruptions—especially dangerous in a bird flu outbreak.
Despite this, the administration cited “adverse events associated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines” as justification for the funding clawback, although multiple peer-reviewed studies confirm the vaccines’ safety and effectiveness.
Global Players Move Ahead Without the U.S.
While the U.S. steps back, other nations are ramping up mRNA development:
- Argentina’s Sinergium Biotech is testing bird flu mRNA vaccines under a WHO initiative
- South Korea, Singapore, France, and India are investing heavily in mRNA pandemic preparedness
- CEPI has committed $20 million to bird flu vaccine development
Should a pandemic occur, vaccine-producing countries are likely to prioritize their own populations first. The U.S. may be left waiting in line—much like many low-income nations during the early stages of COVID-19.
Vaccine Misinformation and Political Influence
The decision to defund mRNA vaccine development follows increased politicization of vaccine science. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic, has spread unsubstantiated claims about COVID-19 and historical vaccines.
A recent poll shows that 73% of Republicans trust Kennedy over the CDC or local health departments for vaccine information—signaling a deep erosion of public trust in official health agencies.
Experts Warn of Grave Consequences
Angela Rasmussen, a Canadian virologist, warns that delays in vaccine development, clinical trials, and licensing could cost lives. With gutted public health infrastructure and reduced research funding, the U.S. may be incapable of a coordinated national response.
“If the bird flu spreads between humans and becomes a pandemic, we’ll be screwed on multiple levels,” Rasmussen said.
As political decisions shape public health policy, experts stress the need for science-based planning to ensure the country isn’t caught off guard in the next global health emergency.
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