INCREASING NUMBER OF MAMMALS INFECTED
The primary US hen flu case in a human occurred in a Colorado jail inmate in 2022 — nonetheless, that was by contaminated poultry.
Specialists are anxious concerning the rising variety of mammals contaminated by the present H5N1 pressure of Extremely Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and its potential for unfold between mammals, whilst circumstances amongst people stay extremely uncommon.
“Preliminary testing has not discovered adjustments to the virus that will make it extra transmissible to people,” the US Division of Agriculture, the CDC, and the Meals and Drug Administration mentioned in a joint assertion final week, which added the cows have been contaminated by wild birds.
The Texas well being division mentioned the cattle infections don’t current a priority for the industrial milk provide, as dairies are required to destroy milk from sick cows. Pasteurization additionally kills any viruses.
It added it was working to information affected dairies about the way to decrease staff’ publicity, and the way individuals who work with affected cattle ought to monitor for signs and get examined.
HPAI FIRST DETECTED IN GOATS THEN CATTLE
The findings marked the primary time that HPAI has been detected in dairy cattle, in response to the American Veterinary Medical Affiliation. On March 20, Minnesota reported hen flu circumstances amongst juvenile goats.
“The detection of HPAI, first in goats and now in dairy cattle, underscores the significance of adherence to biosecurity measures, vigilance in monitoring for illness, and instantly involving your veterinarian when one thing appears ‘off,'” mentioned AVMA President Rena Carlson in a latest assertion.
Hen flu killed a polar bear in Alaska final fall, in response to state officers, and has killed lots of of 1000’s of marine mammals in South America, in response to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Analysis.
