There was a time when bird flu was limited to birds only. But now the H5N1 virus has taken such a turn that doctors and vets in America are scared. The most problematic thing is that this virus has now reached not only chickens but also cows, cats, and humans.
Bird Flu in Cows: For the first time and so fast
In the beginning of 2024, strange symptoms were seen in some American cows. Their milk production dropped, they developed fevers, became lethargic, and some even started coughing violently. Everyone thought it was a local infection, but when Colorado veterinarian Dr. Kay Russo investigated, she discovered it was actually bird flu – H5N1 – that had jumped to cows.
This was the first time the virus was found in cows. And then it started spreading everywhere – from one state to another. Russo says, “We didn’t have enough testing, and the government response was slow. By then the virus had already spread.” Transmission of the virus: A big question so far
It is still not clear how the virus is spreading from cow to cow. But experts believe that the virus gets attached to milking machines – which milk one cow after another – and from there it infects other animals.
Bird flu has not only targeted cows but also wild animals such as foxes, pigs, cats, goats, and raccoons. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Kamran Khan says, “This virus is evolving with every new host. Every time it infects a new mammal, the potential for human-to-human transmission increases.”
Cases in humans too: Can this become the next pandemic?
Since March 2024, 70 people have been found infected with this virus in America. Although most of them were farm workers, who had mild symptoms, one death was also reported – in Louisiana – of a person who already had health conditions.
What is more worrying is that some people were also found infected who did not have direct contact with any sick animal. This means that either indirect transmission is taking place, or the virus is already mutating.
Virologist Dr. Angela Rasmussen says, “When a virus begins to infect so many different mammals, it poses a huge risk to humans. And with each new infection it reaches closer to human transmission.”
Government Response: Slow and cautious
The Biden administration delayed its initial response. For a month, there was no rule on testing for interstate travel of cows. And raw milk testing started after 10 months. Even today, some states are testing, some not at all.
The USDA and CDC are trying to ramp up testing, but there is another problem – farm workers are largely undocumented. For this reason, they are reluctant to get tested, lest their immigration status be affected.
And when the Trump administration removed a large portion of vaccine experts and CDC staff, the health response slowed even more.
There is a vaccine – but what is the use?
There is a vaccine against bird flu. Moderna also has a new version ready. But FDA approval is pending, and the Trump administration has paused its final funding.
Poultry vaccine is also ready, but it has not been used because if birds are vaccinated, foreign countries will stop their import. Economic pressure is stopping the vaccine, not scientific reason.
Survival of Hope – Milk Testing Program
Pasteurization kills the bird flu virus. But raw milk – which many people drink without boiling – can contain the virus. Dr. Keith Poulsen, director of the Wisconsin lab, says that milk testing has slowed the spread in some states. Today 45 states are doing some kind of testing.
What should we do now?
Experts say – time is running out. With every new infection, the risk is increasing. Vaccine development, better surveillance, and public cooperation are the only ways to save us.
Dr. Russo says emotionally, “I am a mother, a vet and a scientist. If this virus reaches children, I will not be able to forgive myself. That is why I request everyone – trust us. We will risk our lives to stop it.”
Bird flu is no longer a danger to birds alone. It has reached cattle, wild animals and humans. Even now, if we are not cautious, a new pandemic is not far away.
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