Bird flu has the potential to spread to more animal species and could mix with seasonal flu, making it easier to spread among humans, according to scientists behind a new study from Iowa State University.

Why it matters: Unpasteurized milk, which has become more popular in recent years, may carry a higher risk than previously thought.

Driving the news: The bird flu study examines how receptor distribution in the mammary glands of livestock and humans might influence its spread.

• Previous studies have not thoroughly examined the virus outside of the mammary glands of cattle, but consuming raw milk from other animals may also pose risks, according to the study.

State of play: The current public health risk from bird flu to humans remains low, according to the CDC.

Yes, but: The study, published Nov. 27 in the Journal of Dairy Science, suggests the disease could spread to other domestic animals, including pigs, sheep, goats and alpacas — raising concerns about more dangerous adaptations that could more easily affect humans.

By the numbers: Over 184 million domestic poultry have been affected since 2022, and the disease has impacted nearly 1,100 cow herds after spreading to cattle last year.

• There is no known person-to-person transmission of the disease at this time, but at least 71 people have been infected and two have died in the U.S.

Zoom in: Iowa legalized direct-to-consumer raw milk sales in 2023 after nearly 20 years of lobbying by advocates who argue it is healthy, helping with issues like respiratory ailments, especially in young children.

• The claims fail to withstand scientific scrutiny, according to information published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What they're saying: Store-bought milk in Iowa remains safe because it is pasteurized, but concerns about consuming raw milk should also apply to other types of animals, Rahul Nelli, the study's lead author and a research assistant professor at ISU, told the school's news service.

• "We need to try to stay ahead of this so it doesn't have a chance to continue to replicate and potentially evolve into something even more troublesome," said Todd Bell, a professor of veterinary pathology at ISU and a study co-author, per the news service.

The other side: Raw milk advocates have criticized previous news coverage as media hype, noting there are no known cases of bird flu in humans from drinking raw milk and that the illness in people and cattle is generally mild.

What's next: Researchers say increased surveillance of livestock — and more caution around raw milk — is crucial for spotting early signs of viral spread or adaptation.

The New York Times food staff named the sampler plate at LT Organic Farm as one of the best 23 restaurant dishes they ate this past year.

Why it matters: "Let's be clear. This isn't one of those lists that dutifully trots out a token dish from every state; rather, they singled out only 23 remarkable plates in a nation brimming with options," writes local food expert Wini Moranville.

• "These are the choices of food reporters who actually travel, taste, and know what they're talking about."

State of play: LT Organic is known for its limited, locally sourced, and seasonal menu that features Indian, Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine.

• The menu is a fixed sampler plate based on available produce and can include everything from chickpeas to navy beans.
• They also have homemade cheesecake for dessert.

The intrigue: You know the restaurant is truly farm-to-table because they closed for the winter in October and won't reopen again until May 9, 2026.

💭 Linh's thought bubble: Each time I've been here, I've eaten al fresco with friends and soaked in the beauty of the family-owned farmstead, typically for under $20.

• The food is delicious. But what makes eating here next level is walking amongst the free-range poultry and seeing fresh produce on the vine.

After months of renovations, the Science Center of Iowa is preparing to reopen its popular "Small Discoveries" exhibit on Dec. 17.

The big picture: The permanent exhibit focuses on play and exploration for young children. The latest renovation includes updated features like an 8-foot water table and a mural station, Rob Burnett, SCI's vice president of science learning, tells Axios.

State of play: The exhibit, which was first designed in 2005, closed after Labor Day this year for refurbishment.

• While the previous rendition resembled a rural farm area, the new exhibit features more ambiguous structures to let kids use their imagination, Burnett says.

If you go: 9am-4pm Wednesday through Sunday; kids are $15 and teens/adults are $20.

• Libraries also provide free access via the adventure pass.

Go deeper

🫏 Democrats are facing a Tea Party-style revolt by progressives, with some establishment favorites failing to head off contested primaries next year, including in Iowa. (Axios)

🎗️ Urbandale's school board is reviewing anti-bullying efforts following the suicide last month of one of its students. (WOI-TV)

✈️ The Blue Angels will headline the 2027 Iowa Air Show, marking the region's first major aviation event since 1991 and outlining plans for the May 2027 showcase. (KCCI)

USPS Operation Santa is on track to deliver more gifts this year, but organizers say many wishes still need to be granted.

Why it matters: Even Santa needs help sometimes.

What we're hearing: "​​We receive far more letters than those adopted," USPS' Jonathan Castillo told Axios.

How it works: People visit the Operation Santa website to create an account and read letters from children of all ages across the country. Verified users "adopt" letters and send requested gifts by a deadline to ensure they receive packages by Christmas Day.

You've still got time: Saturday is the last day to adopt letters and ship gifts.

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