Study confirms mammal-to-mammal avian flu spread
A study confirmed mammal-to-mammal transmission of avian influenza H5N1, initially from birds to cattle, with cases in cows, cats, and a raccoon. Concerns about potential adaptation in mammals persist.
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A recent study has confirmed the mammal-to-mammal transmission of avian influenza H5N1, initially spread from birds to dairy cattle in several U.S. states. Researchers, led by Diego Diel from Cornell University, found evidence of this transmission occurring between cows and from cows to cats and a raccoon. The study, published in Nature, indicates that while the virus has not mutated to enhance its transmissibility in humans, the potential for adaptation in mammals raises concerns. Since April 2022, there have been 11 reported human cases in the U.S., primarily linked to cattle and poultry farms, with mild symptoms. The recent cases in Colorado were associated with the same strain found in dairy cows, suggesting a possible origin from local dairy farms.
The study highlights the virus's ability to infect mammary glands and its presence in milk, although pasteurization ensures the safety of the milk supply. The research also documented cow-to-cow transmission when infected Texas cows were moved to a healthy Ohio farm. Additionally, the virus was transmitted to cats and a raccoon, likely through raw milk consumption. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is funding H5N1 testing programs to monitor the virus in animals and humans. Early detection and biosecurity measures are deemed essential to prevent further spread. Since January 2022, H5N1 infections have led to the deaths of over 100 million domestic birds in the U.S.
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2 commentsNot mentioned is that it is also critical to reduce our meat consumption, for this and numerous other reasons. I posted awhile back about eating sprouted legumes; that's still a staple of my diet, and now that summer's here I eat a lot of greens from my yard, including dandelion and oxeye daisy, otherwise known as weeds here in the USA. I still eat meat as a rare, luxurious treat; one need not give up meat to reduce environmental impact. Nutritional yeast provides plenty B12 and other nutrients. One big "everything" salad a day, plus my child's leftovers throughout the day, is enough (I'm a male in my 40s averaging about 7k steps a day plus lifting 40+ pounds many times throughout the day; not strenuous activity, but consistent).
Humans and our livestock dominate the planet. I'm not proud of that. I'm not confident that our respective elected officials can enact toothy regulations quickly enough to put enough of a lid on our resource churn, so I appeal to you, dear reader, to find a way to live a rich and interesting life on a reasonable carbon footprint (what that is is up for argument, but certainly less than the US average), and to convince your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same.
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An ongoing bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cows led to three human cases. Safety measures like masks and vaccines are crucial. CDC monitors H5N1 exposure, highlighting the high death rate. Vaccine availability and communication are key.
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The U.S. government partners with Moderna for a $176 million deal to fast-track an mRNA bird flu vaccine for dairy cows. BARDA oversees the project, aiming for late-stage trials next year.
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