Researchers are sounding the alarm about the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in US dairy cows, causing concern among experts and authorities. The US Department of Agriculture has confirmed cases in 32 herds across eight states, leading to fears of a potential outbreak.
The movement of cattle between herds is being blamed for the rapid spread of the virus, which has left some infected cows without any symptoms. It is believed that contaminated milking equipment may be facilitating the transmission of the virus among the animals.
While it remains unclear how the virus is spreading between cows, there is a growing worry that it could potentially evolve to infect humans. The virus has also made its way from dairy farms to nearby poultry farms, prompting experts to raise concerns about the possibility of it spilling over to pig farms in the area.
In response to the outbreak, the USDA has released genetic sequences of the H5N1 viruses infecting cows, as a means to identify and track the spread of the disease. Despite the risks associated with the virus, authorities have assured the public that the risk of transmission to humans remains low.
As a precautionary measure, milk from infected cows is being destroyed, and the Food and Drug Administration has expressed confidence in the pasteurization process as an effective means of killing the virus. The situation continues to be closely monitored by health officials and experts to prevent any further spread of the virus within the dairy industry.
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