A new and highly contagious clade of H5N1 emerged in late 2020.
This clade has rapidly spread globally, causing significant mortality in birds and infecting over 200 mammalian species, including humans.
Infection in Cattle
In March 2024, H5N1 was detected in cattle in the US.
The virus has quickly spread across multiple states, impacting numerous herds.
It is believed that the virus was introduced to cattle through poultry.
Human Infections
Human infections have been linked to both direct contact with infected animals and indirect exposure.
While some cases have been reported, there is currently no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
The continued evolution of the virus and its ability to adapt to new hosts is a major concern.
If the virus becomes endemic in mammals, it could increase opportunities for transmission.
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