New Research on Cows Shows Bird Flu Spreads Among Mammals

Recent research into bird flu outbreaks on dairy farms has revealed how efficiently the virus spreads among cows and other mammals, such as cats and a raccoon. This development is raising concerns among experts about the virus’s evolving capabilities. Bird flu has already impacted over 100 million birds in the U.S., including wild, commercial, and backyard poultry. The potential for the virus to evolve and spread from person to person, possibly leading to a pandemic, has scientists on high alert.

Although no human-to-human transmission has been reported, there have been 14 human cases, primarily in farmworkers exposed to infected animals. Most cases have been mild, with three new ones recently confirmed in Colorado.

The new study, published in Nature, highlights the virus’s spread from cows to other mammals. This new pattern poses challenges for controlling the virus and could increase the risk to humans if it continues unchecked. Researchers examined outbreaks among cows on farms in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and Ohio. The H5N1 strain was found to spread rapidly between farms. Infected cows moved from Texas to Ohio, and the virus soon appeared in Ohio cattle. Genetic evidence suggests that cats and a raccoon contracted the virus, likely from drinking raw milk.

Infected cows showed symptoms such as reduced appetite, decreased milk production, and discolored milk. Mortality rates doubled on some farms. Andrew Bowman, an expert from Ohio State University, noted that these findings match what veterinarians have observed on farms.

The study underscores the dangers of handling or consuming unpasteurized milk, highlighting the need for vigilance to prevent further spread and potential evolution of the virus. The research serves as a crucial warning, urging authorities to intensify efforts to control the virus’s spread among mammals and safeguard public health.

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