[Justa]

As you noted the Korean bird flu has not been shown to infect humans. The odds of that happening have historically been very, very low. Then of course there're the issues of communicability and mortality of any strain that does manage to make the leap. Imo the odds of an avian-derived flu pandemic are not newsworthy.

Many more people lived in close proximity to livestock and their waste 100 years ago. I believe that determines the frequency of animal-to-human transmission. I think people consider it an issue now because of higher health standards. Additionally, detection and reporting of infections have dramatically improved. 100 years ago this incident wouldn't have even made local news.

[kdono]

I believe that determines the frequency of animal-to-human transmission.

The number of animal to human transmission has been on the rise. There have been at least 3 incidents in the past 10 months.