Capitalism vs. the bird flu
Mar 27, 2025•50 min
Summary
Lauren Leffer discusses the complexities of the H5N1 bird flu outbreak, its spread among various animal populations, and the potential risks to humans. The conversation explores the failures and challenges of public health responses, the influence of political figures like RFK Jr., and the role of capitalism in addressing the crisis. Leffer offers practical advice for individuals to protect themselves and their pets, emphasizing the importance of monitoring data and avoiding raw animal products.Episode description
Today we’re talking about bird flu, but in a pretty Decoder way. Science journalist Lauren Leffer, who recently wrote a piece for The Verge about bird flu and how it’s becoming a forever war, is joining me on the show. We’re going to talk about the systems, structure, and culture that might control bird flu — and those that might make it worse.
Links:
We’ve entered a forever war with bird flu | Verge
Kennedy’s alarming prescription for bird flu on poultry farms | NYT
First bird flu death in US reported in Louisiana | NYT
Bird flu found in sheep in UK, a world first | NYT
Shell shocked: how small eateries are dealing with record egg prices | NYT
Animal Farm: eggflation’s monopoly problem | The Lever
At the ‘Wall Street of Eggs,’ Demand Is Surging | WSJ
How to protect your pets from bird flu | Popular Science
What to know about the bird flu outbreak in wild birds | AP
Bird flu continues to spread as Trump experts are MIA | Ars Technica
Credits:
Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Our producers are Kate Cox and Nick Statt. Our editor is Ursa Wright.
The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.
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