Unknown / Black Swan

Today's assessment highlights the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, such as the Salmonella enterica strain in West Africa and the Bordetella pertussis in Peru, which represent a growing threat to global health due to their potential to cause widespread outbreaks that are difficult to control with existing treatments. Additionally, the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in various species and regions, including its reassortment potential, underscores the risk of zoonotic spillovers that could lead to new pandemics. These developments are compounded by environmental stressors like record-low water levels in Lake Powell and intensified droughts, which could exacerbate the spread of diseases and disrupt ecosystems, leading to cascading impacts on food security and human health.