Results for: H5N1 bird flu

The H5N1 bird flu virus, which has caused significant outbreaks in dairy cows in the U.S., is showing increased adaptability to spread in mammals. Researchers have found evidence of the virus spreading among elephant seals and other marine mammals in South America. This raises concerns that the virus could eventually transmit from mammal to mammal and potentially pose a threat to humans. Genetic sequencing has identified a particular lineage of the virus that has evolved to spread easily between mammals. This lineage has been linked to outbreaks in multiple countries in South America, marking the first known multinational mammal-to-mammal spread of the virus. Scientists emphasize the need for continued monitoring of the virus in wildlife to understand its potential implications for human health.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this week that genetic evidence of the H5N1 bird flu virus was found in pasteurized milk sold in the United States. This discovery raised concerns about the safety of milk products, prompting many consumers to wonder what this means for their health.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) implemented a federal order requiring negative H5N1 bird flu virus tests for interstate cattle movement, laboratory reporting for positive cases, and herd investigations in infected farms. The order applies to lactating dairy cows initially. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed H5N1 RNA traces in milk products but emphasized that pasteurization eliminates the virus. Research suggests the PCR-positive milk may not contain live viruses. The National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) supports the findings. Despite resistance from some farmers, the USDA aims to improve information gathering and access with the order. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) faces challenges in investigating worker health on infected farms but explores wastewater surveillance for H5N1 detection.