Bird Flu Outbreak in Dairy Cows Raises Concerns Over Potential for Human Spread
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), a virus that has been circulating in wild birds for decades, has now been detected in dairy cows in the United States, raising concerns about its potential to spread to humans. The virus has been found in nearly three dozen dairy herds in eight states, and inactive viral remnants have been detected in grocery store milk.
Scientists are concerned that the virus could mutate to become more easily transmissible among people, as it has been known to adapt to spread among different species. The virus was first detected in dairy cows in the U.S. this spring, surprising many scientists who have studied it for years. Flu viruses are notorious for adapting to spread among new species, so detection in dairy cows raises concerns it could spread to people.
The USDA has ordered that all lactating dairy cows in the U.S. be tested for the virus before they can be moved between states, and experts are urging increased surveillance and testing to monitor the outbreak and prevent its further spread. Scientists are working to analyze more samples of retail milk to confirm that pasteurization, or heat-treating, kills the H5N1 virus. Those results are expected soon.
While the general public doesn’t need to worry about drinking pasteurized milk, experts said they should avoid raw or unpasteurized milk. Also, dairy farm workers should consider extra precautions, such as masking, hand washing and changing work clothes.
So far, 23 people have been tested for the virus during the outbreak in dairy cows, with one person testing positive for a mild eye infection. At least 44 people who were exposed to infected animals in the current outbreak are being monitored for symptoms.
Experts say that this outbreak is a reminder of the need for continued vigilance against emerging infectious diseases. They are urging increased surveillance and testing to monitor the outbreak and prevent its further spread, as well as research into vaccines and treatments for H5N1.
