As bird flu outbreaks continue to affect animals, experts answer questions about keeping pets and their owners healthy

New research suggests that past exposure to seasonal flu viruses may help protect people from severe illness caused by the H5N1 avian flu virus. Scientists at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania found that older adults who were exposed to flu viruses circulating before 1968 were more likely to have antibodies that recognize H5N1.

Chicken meat producers remain the most resistant to vaccines because of concerns they could harm meat exports, which totaled nearly $4.7 billion last year.