(Image Source: CNNHealth )

BY NICHOLE CARTMELL

ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

A controversial study of the H5N1 bird flu virus indicates potential for a pandemic, but scientists say it’s three to five mutations away from becoming airborne. Here’s WBFF .

“It was previously thought that bird flu can be transmitted from birds to birds... and from birds to humans. But now... scientists say it's "theoretically possible" the virus could eventually be transmitted between humans.”

The mutations easily occur in nature — and have already begun doing so — causing fear of a global pandemic. While MSNBC calls these findings, quote, “sobering,” there is some reassuring news.

“The mutations that make the virus pass easily from one animal to another also make it a little less dangerous. Instead of taking root deep in the lungs, causing a hard-to-treat pneumonia, the mutated version of H5N1 likes to live in the upper respiratory tract.”

The publication of the studies was initially delayed in fear of a biosecurity threat. But for scientist Carl Zimmer, good science such as this cannot be squashed by national security. He tells PBS that other bird flus have become human flus many times in history.
 

“Its not like if we just hide this one its not ever going to happen again. It is going to happen. And we could actually learn something about how that jump happens by studying these viruses.”

The Los Angeles Times says the publication of this information ends an important debate over experiments with legitimate scientific purpose and those that pose as threats. But the future of this field remains unknown.

“At the same time, the study ushers in a new and uncertain era for the study of such dangerous agents as bird flu, anthrax and Ebola virus. Experts said they expected continued wrangling over what research should be conducted, by whom, and under what closely monitored restrictions.”

The lead author of the report says research is ongoing to accelerate the amount of vaccine doses available.