![Texas Resident Contracts Bird Flu Following Interaction with Cattle, According to ScienceAlert 2 dairy cows eating](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/dairy_cows_eating.jpg?w=1170)
Health officials have disclosed that a Texan has contracted bird flu subsequent to contact with dairy cattle. This announcement, made on Monday, raises concerns as the present strain infiltrates various species globally.
This instance marks only the second known case of bird flu in a human within the United States. The disease previously afflicted livestock in Texas, Kansas, and other regions, following exposure to wild birds over the preceding week.
“The patient experienced redness of the eyes, which aligns with symptoms of conjunctivitis, but is recovering,” according to an update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The individual has been instructed to self-isolate and is receiving treatment with antiviral medications typically prescribed for influenza.
Since the outbreak’s inception in 2020, it has resulted in the death of millions of poultry and has also affected wild birds, as well as land and sea mammals.
With dairy cattle and goats recently added to the list of infected animals last week, experts are surprised, as these species were not previously considered at risk for this type of influenza.
Louise Moncla, a pathobiologist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, informed AFP that the patient was likely employed on a farm.
“Should there be a continued pattern of cow infections, it means we must initiate surveillance on these animals, leading to a significant shift in our approach to viral threats,” Moncla stated. She also tempered concerns for the general public by noting that there is not an immediate cause for widespread alarm.
The CDC remains steadfast in its assessment of the human health risks posed by bird flu in the US, categorizing it as low.
A respective incident of bird flu in a human was previously reported in Colorado during 2022 in an inmate, contracted through contaminated poultry.
Reassurance on Milk Safety
Concerns have been voiced over the H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) strain affecting a rising count of mammals, and its potential transmission among them.
According to a collective proclamation issued by the US Department of Agriculture, CDC, and the Food and Drug Administration, preliminary tests do not indicate any modifications to the virus that would enhance human transmissibility.
Although wild birds are likely the source, transmission between cattle has not been excluded, as per the shared announcement.
However, the Texas health department assures that the dairy cattle infections pose no threat to the commercial milk supply since infected milk is disposed of and pasteurization effectively destroys the virus.
This incident represents the first occurrence of HPAI identified in dairy cattle, as reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Previously, Minnesota documented cases of bird flu among goats in March.
Continuing Spread of the Outbreak
The cattle affected mainly consist of older specimens demonstrating reduced milk production and decreased appetites, noted the AVMA, with negligible associated casualties. Frequently, deceased wild birds were found in the vicinity.
In Cambodia, a nine-year-old boy succumbed to the virus in February, one of three fatalities there in 2023. Nevertheless, the viral strain in Europe and America seems to result in less severe infections, Moncla pointed out.
South America’s marine mammal populations have experienced enormous losses due to bird flu, as communicated by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research.
According to a recent assessment, British seabird colonies are undergoing “widespread and extensive declines”. The virus has also severely impacted European poultry, provoking French officials to declare “maximum” risk in December, while the Czech Republic culled over 140,000 birds in the first months of 2024.
© Agence France-Presse
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is bird flu?
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects bird species but can also infect humans and other animals. - Is the milk supply at risk due to bird flu in cattle?
No. The Texas health department has stated that the milk supply is not at risk. Infected milk is discarded, and pasteurization kills the virus. - How is bird flu transmitted to humans?
Transmission to humans can occur through close contact with infected birds or bird excretions. In rare cases, it can also happen through contact with infected mammals, as seen in Texas. - Can humans transmit bird flu to each other?
Human-to-human transmission of bird flu is extremely rare. The current strain does not show changes that would increase transmissibility among humans. - What should people do if they suspect an infection?
Anyone suspecting they have been infected with bird flu should seek medical attention promptly and may need to isolate to prevent further transmission.
Conclusion
The recent case of bird flu in a Texas resident following exposure to dairy cattle is cause for careful monitoring but not for public alarm. Officials assure that the human health risk remains low and that the milk supply is safe. As the H5N1 HPAI strain continues to circulate, authorities and experts are closely watching for any changes in the virus’s behavior, particularly its spread among different animal species. Individuals in close contact with potentially infected animals should remain vigilant and adopt appropriate safety measures.