The latest funding is a sign of how seriously the Biden administration appears to be taking the pandemic threat.

Moderna has been testing an mRNA candidate for influenza viruses like the H5 and H7 strains that are seen as pandemic threats. Others, including GSK and Pfizer, are also at work on similar shots.

The number of bird flu cases in Central Massachusetts is relatively low, compared to a swath of the state that runs from Greater Boston to Southeastern Massachusetts. That message was delivered Wednesday during a virtual update from state health officials on the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will award roughly $590 million to Moderna to accelerate the development of mRNA-based pandemic influenza vaccines, including vaccines for avian flu strains, to ensure the United States is better prepared for future potential pandemics, according to a recent HHS news release.

A Surrey MP is warning that the government agency meant to help the UK withstand fresh bird flu outbreaks urgently needs "massive investment". More than a million birds have already been culled at an egg farm in the Midlands following signs of the virus in the region,

Bird flu is now believed to be widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive, state environmental and health officials said Wednesday.

Scientists say the temporary freeze on communications from federal officials creates a troubling blind spot for those tracking the virus.