Recent outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) in dairy cattle
in the United States.
The outbreak began in late March 2024.
With the first detection in dairy cattle reported in the Texas Panhandle region.
The virus has spread to multiple states.
With at least 36 herds in 9 states testing positive for H5N1 as of early May.
This is the first time H5N1 has been found in cattle in the United States.
It raises concerns about the potential spread of the virus to other animals and even humans.
There has been one confirmed human case of H5N1 associated with this outbreak, reported in a dairy worker on April 1st.
Health officials consider the public health risk to be low.
Extensive testing has been conducted on milk and milk products, and so far.
No viable H5N1 virus has been found.
The USDA and HHS are working together to understand the outbreak, trace animal movements, and implement measures to limit the spread of the virus.
This includes restrictions on the movement of dairy cattle in some areas.
The possibility of cattle acting as a host for the virus and potentially contributing to the creation of new flu strains that could infect humans
Recent outbreaks show cattle can be infected with H5N1.
Though it doesn't seem to cause severe illness in them compared to birds.
A concerning aspect is that cattle cells, particularly in the mammary glands (udder).
It have receptors for both human and avian influenza viruses.
This raises the possibility of cattle becoming "mixing vessels" where different flu strains can swap genetic material and create new, potentially pandemic viruses.
Pigs have been known to be such mixing vessels in the past, contributing to past flu pandemics.
So far, there has only been one confirmed human case associated with the outbreak, likely due to direct contact with infected cattle.
For a new flu strain to easily infect humans, it would likely need to undergo further mutations.
Public health officials are closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to minimize the spread of the virus among cattle.
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