Troy Sutton | Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
An influenza pandemic occurs when a virus circulating in animals evolves the ability to infect and transmit via the airborne route between people. Using animal models, key changes in a virus that contribute to airborne transmission have been identified; however, while these changes are required, they are not sufficient to support transmission. Therefore, we are taking a multipronged approach to improve existing animal models and define the key barriers that a virus must overcome to transmit through the air.