US government public health policy announcements

H5N1 Bird Flu Detected in Colorado Cows; WHO, CDC Step Up Monitoring

May 9, 2024, 07:15 PM

The recent spread of the H5N1 avian influenza virus to various mammal species, including cows, minks, raccoons, foxes, seals, and porpoises, has raised significant concerns among scientists, health experts, and the general public. Notably, the virus has been detected in cows in Colorado, prompting fears of a potential pandemic if it reaches pigs, which could facilitate transmission to humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are closely monitoring the situation, with the WHO emphasizing the need for increased surveillance and testing. Despite the CDC's assurance of low risk to humans, the response to the outbreak has been scrutinized, especially given the recent COVID-19 pandemic's impact on public health trust. There is also an ongoing discussion about the need for rapid testing on farms to detect and manage the spread effectively. The WHO has reported that at least 220 people are being monitored, and 30 have been tested. Additionally, the USDA has issued guidance recommending that milk from symptomatic cows be discarded.