Concerns About Bird Flu Reflect Distrust in Public Health Messaging
As the U.S. invests in vaccine development, along with other preventative measures, some have shared concerns beyond vaccine skepticism, suggesting that bird flu might be used as a pretext for lockdowns and food supply restrictions. KFF media monitoring research shows that these narratives are resonating with tens of thousands of people online. For example, a radio host garnered 80,000 likes and 29,000 reposts in 10 days when they shared a video on X making these claims with a caption describing bird flu as “A Plot To Shutdown Society” and an “Evil Psyop.” Many of the 2,800 comments on the post conveyed similar concerns. Skepticism is also expressed about health communicators aligned with federal health agencies. In early January, a video of Dr. Leana Wen discussing the bird flu response was captioned with an accusation that she trying to restart the “COVID-19 scam.” The post quickly attracted thousands of interactions, including comments accusing Wen, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Bill Gates of criminal activity.
Contrary to these persistent claims, the CDC explains that the risk of bird flu to the general public remains low. However, the most common strain of bird flu can spread through contact with an infected animal’s saliva, mucus, feces, respiratory secretions, and other body fluids, so certain groups that work with livestock (e.g., farmers, backyard bird flock owners, veterinarians, and animal health responders) face increased risk due to their frequent exposure to potentially infected animals or animal byproducts. To prevent infection, the CDC recommends avoiding direct contact with infected animals, practicing good hygiene, and using personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary. Despite the agency closely monitoring the situation, eroding trust in health institutions may undermine public confidence in these prevention strategies and guidance.
Polling Insight:
The latest KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust finds that forty-four percent of U.S. adults are “very” or “somewhat concerned” that there will be a widespread outbreak of bird flu in the U.S., while fewer (34%) say they are concerned that they or someone in their family will get sick. Majorities of Democrats, Hispanic adults, and adults in lower income households express concern about a widespread outbreak of bird flu, and each of these groups is more likely than their counterparts to say they are concerned they or their families will get sick.
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