Results for: H5N1

Analysis of genomic data from infected cattle in the US suggests that the H5N1 bird flu strain may have been circulating in animals since late 2023, raising concerns about its potential to infect mammals, including humans. The virus has already been detected in 36 dairy herds across eight states, and its ability to spread between cows is a significant development. Health officials are urging for improved pathogen surveillance and the release of more information by the USDA to better understand the spread of the virus and its potential risks.

According to a recent survey, a majority of experts believe that the next pandemic is likely to be caused by a flu virus strain. This concern stems from the long-term research on influenza, which shows that while seasonal outbreaks are typically controlled, a new strain with increased virulence could lead to a global outbreak. The flu virus is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause severe symptoms, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Vaccination remains the most effective way to curb its spread, and experts emphasize the importance of personal hygiene practices to minimize the risk of transmission. Additionally, scientists are also monitoring the potential for avian influenza virus (H5N1) to evolve and pose a threat to humans.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has been detected in both cows and humans in the United States for the first time. The strain of bird flu involved is highly pathogenic H5N1, which causes severe disease in birds and can be fatal. While the risk to the general public is considered low, health officials are calling for increased monitoring of infected animals and people exposed to them.

To increase transparency and support disease research, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published genetic data from avian flu virus samples. The release comes after scientists raised concerns about the limited public information available to assess the outbreak’s risk. While the virus has not significantly impacted the dairy industry or milk supply, it has decimated bird populations and infected various mammal species, including cattle, a cat, and a human. The USDA released 239 genetic sequences of H5N1 samples from different animals and has previously shared sequences from the initial outbreak on a Texas dairy farm.

A highly pathogenic strain of H5N1 bird flu has spread worldwide since 2020, killing millions of poultry and other birds. Now, it’s threatening marine mammals, with devastating outbreaks in elephant seals and sea lions in South America. Experts warn that the virus is adapting to mammals, raising concerns about its potential to spread to humans. The current outbreaks in dairy cows and mink suggest that H5N1 may be on the brink of becoming transmissible among people. Scientists emphasize the need for increased monitoring, international cooperation, and proactive measures to prevent a human pandemic.