Scientists get creative in monitoring bird flu outbreak – by testing feces

With second human case of H5N1 reported, CDC launches dashboard to monitor wastewater, and recruits students to help

Amid widespread gaps in US testing for H5N1, a type of bird flu, and as a second case among humans has been detected, scientists are turning to more creative ways of monitoring the outbreak – especially in human and animal feces.

Scientists and officials are expanding wastewater monitoring across the US and engaging community members to collect waste samples from birds. They hope to keep tabs on this outbreak while preparing for the next pandemic.