H5N1 Bird Flu Detected in U.S. Dairy Cattle, First Human Case Confirmed in Texas Amid 51 Outbreaks

May 20, 2024, 04:32 AM

The H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected in dairy cattle and dairy products in the United States, raising public health concerns. The FAO noted high concentrations of the virus in milk from infected cattle, although no viable virus has been found in raw milk. The USDA has emphasized the importance of testing, and the FDA's initial survey found no viable H5N1 virus in 297 retail samples. Despite the low public health risk, authorities warn the virus may adapt to infect humans. The U.S. government has a stockpile of H5N1 vaccines, and several companies are prepared to produce more if needed. The first human case of bird flu transmitted from a cow has been confirmed in Texas. Experts stress the importance of surveillance and testing to prevent a potential pandemic. Confirmed outbreaks in cattle have climbed to 51, with new cases in Michigan and Idaho. The FDA also found genetic traces of the virus in one-fifth of milk samples nationwide.