The advance of H5N1 bird flu reminds us that novel pathogens remain a stubborn threat. Although a full-blown pandemic doesn’t appear imminent, the virus’s ability to infect a wide range of species — from migratory birds to dairy cattle — heightens the chance that it could evolve into a strain that spreads more readily to and among humans.

This risk underscores the urgent need for robust surveillance of emerging disease threats. Such tools aren’t merely central to our public health infrastructure; they also enable our national health security and prevent critical disruptions in health care services.