Bird Flu in Cattle: Traced Back to a Single Wild Bird Contact in Texas
Uncovering factors that stimulate avian flu in U.S. cattle
Over the past year, the bird flu virus has caused havoc across several continents, originating from dairy cattle in the USA. A research team is delving into the pathogen's spread and has shed light on its origination and potential source animal.
The outbreak of bird flu in cattle, detected last year, can be traced back to a single wild bird contact, as per a recent study. This encounter occurred "mid to late 2023" in Texas, according to scientists and researchers from Iowa State University, who published their findings in the journal "Science".
After this initial infection, the virus made its way amongst the cattle, spreading across states such as North Carolina, Idaho, Michigan, Ohio, Kansas, and South Dakota. Other animals were also infected, including raccoons, cats, and birds. The virus also mutated. For their research, the group analyzed virus data and genomes sequences, and compared their findings with agency information about the USA outbreak.
Alarm Bells Ringing: The largest bird flu wave ever recorded is currently sweeping across continents. In March 2024, a form of bird flu H5N1 was detected in dairy cattle in the USA for the first time. The outbreak continues, with several human infections reported, and one death. Experts urge immediate containment measures, warning of a new pandemic if not handled properly. Health authorities in the USA currently assess the risk to the general population as low.
Note:- The bird flu outbreak in cattle has caused widespread concerns due to its potential impact on animal health and public health.- The virus originated from a single wild bird contact in Texas in 2023, which led to the spread amongst cattle, including states such as North Carolina, Idaho, Michigan and more.- The virus has also affected other animals such as raccoons, cats, and birds, and has undergone mutations.- The H5N1 bird flu virus presents a significant threat to agriculture, food security, and human health due to its ability to infect multiple species including birds, poultry, mammals, and humans.- Experts warn of potential future pandemics if the virus continues to transmit among animals and humans.- Ongoing investigations and monitoring of livestock health, as well as controlling animal movements, are crucial to contain the virus and limit potential risks.
- The community's concern about the bird flu outbreak is justified, given its potential impact on both animal health and public health.
- The origin of the bird flu virus in cattle can be traced back to a single wild bird contact that occurred in Texas in 2023.
- The research published in the journal "Science" by scientists and researchers from Iowa State University revealed that the virus spread further to states like North Carolina, Idaho, Michigan, and more, affecting not only cattle but also other animals like raccoons, cats, and birds, and undergoing mutations.
- As the bird flu H5N1 virus continues to be detected in dairy cattle, with several human infections reported and one death in 2024, experts urge immediate containment measures to prevent a potential new pandemic, particularly focusing on ongoing investigations, monitoring of livestock health, and controlling animal movements.