Bird Flu Update: Dairy, Cattle, Monitoring And Low Public Risk

The H5N1 bird flu continues to circulate globally. Here's a breakdown of the current situation:

Spread: 

Wild birds remain carriers worldwide. Poultry farms have experienced outbreaks, and the virus has taken an unexpected turn by infecting dairy cattle in multiple US states.

Impact On Dairy: 

The H5N1 strain is causing illness in dairy cows, leading to decreased milk production and affecting their appetite.

Human Cases: 

One human case of H5N1 has been confirmed in the US, linked to a dairy worker who had contact with infected cattle. This is considered a likely case of mammal to human transmission, the first of its kind for this strain.

Public Health Risk: 

Health agencies like the CDC consider the current risk to the general public low. However, people with close exposure to infected birds or mammals, including dairy cows, are at higher risk.

Monitoring And Safety: 

Authorities like the FDA and USDA are working together to monitor the situation. Studies on retail milk so far haven't shown any presence of infectious virus, and the milk supply is considered safe.

Prevention: 

People working with poultry or potentially infected animals should take precautions like wearing protective gear.

Overall, while the bird flu situation is being closely monitored due to the spread in dairy cattle and the first potential case of mammal to human transmission, the public health risk remains low.