It’s still uncertain how the influenza is spreading among cattle.
U.S. federal and state agencies are preparing to conduct research on the potential respiratory spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza among dairy cattle. The aim is to use the research findings to help contain the bird flu and minimize human exposure.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with Michigan State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is in the process of planning research on farms to assess respiratory spread, as stated by Tim Boring, the department’s director.
Mr. Boring mentioned, “This is a concerning area that we are expanding our focus on and delving deeper into. The research is of utmost importance and will play a crucial role in shaping the state’s public policy.”
A spokesperson for the USDA revealed that the agency is investigating respiratory infection in dairy cows with various partners, including universities nationwide, to gain a better understanding of the virus and how to control its spread.
Previously, the USDA stated that there was no significant concentration of the virus in respiratory-related samples, suggesting that respiratory transmission is not the primary mode of transmission.
The flu has affected cows in 86 herds across 12 states, with the most recent cases reported in Wyoming, along with three human cases and numerous birds. While scientists suspect transmission among animals and humans through contact with infected milk or aerosolized milk droplets, or exposure to infected birds or poultry, the exact mechanisms of the virus spread remain unclear. However, there is evidence of transmission to cows from wild birds and other cows.
The virus has been primarily found in milk, with lower levels detected in nasal swabs, according to Zelmar Rodriguez, a dairy veterinarian and assistant professor at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, who has been studying affected farms.
He explained, “If it’s present in the nose during shedding, it could potentially be transmitted through the air.”
The first human cases, one each in Texas and Michigan, only experienced inflamed eyes or conjunctivitis.
Any change in the virus’s transmission method could lead to its evolution, as noted by Richard Webby, a virologist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital who studies flu in animals and birds for the World Health Organization.
Mr. Webby stated, “We definitely want to avoid that.”
For the virus to pose a greater threat to human health, it would need to undergo further genetic mutations, he added.
According to the CDC, analyses of samples from human cases have shown several mutations. However, the current circulating bird flu viruses do not efficiently bind to receptors prevalent in the human upper respiratory tract, which is a major reason why the agency assesses the public risk as low.
The CDC emphasizes that influenza viruses can evolve rapidly, underscoring the importance of identifying cases and preparing for potential spread. Over 500 individuals have been monitored after exposure to animals with confirmed or suspected infections, and at least 45 of them, all displaying flu-like symptoms, were tested.
The CDC recommends that individuals exposed to the virus monitor themselves for symptoms over a 10-day period. Health officials should be involved if those exposed did not wear personal protective equipment like masks when in contact with sick or potentially sick animals.
Symptoms consistent with bird flu include fever, cough, and vomiting, according to the CDC. If symptoms develop, individuals should get tested, possibly isolate, and seek treatment as advised by the agency. Tamiflu, a common flu treatment, is effective against bird flu, particularly when administered soon after symptoms appear.
Other animals affected by bird flu in recent years include cats, bears, and foxes.
Some of these animals displayed respiratory symptoms, according to the CDC and the World Organisation for Animal Health.
This month, the CDC infected six ferrets with bird flu, and all of them died. The virus spread efficiently among ferrets in direct contact but did not spread well through respiratory droplets between ferrets. This differs from seasonal flu, which infects all ferrets through respiratory droplets.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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