Avian Influenza in Cows...Is there a risk for widespread bird flu in humans?

Avian influenza has been on the list of agents for pandemic potential for decades

Dr. Jennifer Smith has subject matter expertise in virology and immunology. After receiving her Master’s degree from the University of Georgia she took a position in a cutting-edge research laboratory with world-renowned influenza virologist Dr. Robert Webster at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There she managed an animal biosafety level 3 containment laboratory while studying influenza viruses, both avian and human. Her efforts and those of the team were rewarded by the development of an efficacious H5N3 poultry vaccine (Poulvac FluFend iAI H5N3 RG), as well as, an H5N1 vaccine to be stockpiled for use in immunizing humans against this lethal strain of virus.

Discover the potential threat of a widespread bird flu outbreak in humans in this insightful video with Jennifer Smith PhD (Virologist, Epidemiologist). With the growing concern over the possibility of bird flu becoming the next pandemic in 2024, experts analyze the risks and implications.

This discussion can also be viewed here:

Is There a Risk of Widespread Bird Flu in Humans?

Avian influenza in dairy cows…here’s what we know

Avian influenza virus type A (H5N1) has been confirmed in dairy cattle in nine states: 24 herds in Michigan, 17 in Idaho, 15 in Texas, eight in New Mexico, five in South Dakota, four each in Kansas and Colorado, and one each in Ohio and North Carolina. Common clinical signs in affected cows include low appetite, reduced milk production, and abnormal appearance of milk (thickened, discolored). Cows aren’t dying; they bounce back to health within a couple of weeks.

Source: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock

While the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) first reported the virus on March 25, a recent analysis of genomic data by USDA’s Animal Disease Center revealed that the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus was likely circulating in dairy cows for four months before it was identified.

The first human case reported this year was in a dairy farm worker. The infection was mild and the person has recovered.

Source: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2405371

To date, infection with avian influenza virus type A (H5N1) has been confirmed in three dairy farm workers exposed to infected cows—two in Michigan and one in Texas. Symptoms in two workers were limited to eye redness (consistent with conjunctivitis). The third worker is the first person in the current cattle outbreak known to have developed respiratory symptoms (cough without fever). All three patients were told to isolate, received an antiviral for flu, and have recovered or are recovering.

People with close or prolonged, unprotected exposure to infected animals or their environments are at greater risk of infection.

Here’s what we don’t know

How did a Eurasian avian H5N1 influenza virus get to the US?

How did avian H5N1 influenza get into cows?

Why did the authorities test cows for H5N1?

How are cats getting infected by drinking cows milk?

Here’s what the powers that be are doing about it

Source: https://www.cslseqirus.us/news/fda-approves-multi-dose-vial-presentation-for-audenz

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320723001428

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378113515300742?via%3Dihub