Cow Flu Can Be Eliminated But Scientists Doubt Due to Lack of Cooperation

Cow flu (HPAI A(H5N1) was first reported three months ago. Recent reports suggest the raising stakes on the bird flu outbreak in dairy cows, leaving experts wondering if cow flu is here to stay.

Cow Flu Can Be Eliminated But There's Lack Of Cooperation

The American government claims it is making every effort to avoid such a result, with the dairy industry's assistance. Rosemary Sifford, the chief veterinary officer of the United States, said during a webinar on June 25 hosted by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine was the Department of Agriculture (USDA), that the virus could be elimiated if its movement would be contained. She suggested improvement in biosecurity to help the producers.

However, other experts are skeptical given the industry's lack of cooperation and what many see to be a mediocre government reaction. Another webinar presenter, veterinarian Michelle Kromm, was "really surprised" by Sifford's optimistic prognosis. For her, based on a policy perspective, nothing have been publicly done to suggest the government is attempting to end this.

Kromm, who led Hormel Foods' turkey vet team during a catastrophic H5N1 outbreak in poultry 10 years ago, added that everything seemed to be pointing toward the conclusion that we had accepted it as an endemic problem.

In April, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that it found fragments of bird flu virus in about 20 percent of retail milk samples they tested. The samples were taken from regions where the virus affected dairy cattle, to they were likely to test positive. However, it also showed that the avian flu outbreak was more widespread than expected.

At present, at least 137 dairy herds across 12 states have been infected by the H5N1 variety, a clade known as 2.3.4.4b. Farmers would have to worry about outbreaks and yearly losses if it became endemic.

Furthermore, as the virus continues to spread among cattle, there is a greater chance that it will eventually adapt to transmit more readily among humans, which might result in an H5N1 pandemic.

ALSO READ: Bird Flu Outbreak in Dairy Cows Is Extensive; Traces of Virus Found in 20% Commercial Milk Sample

Human Case of HPAI A(H5N1) Infection Reported in Texas

On March 25, 2024, reports of a multistate outbreak of HPAI A(H5N1) avian flu in dairy cows were initially received. These avian flu viruses have never before been discovered in cows. Since 2022, over 200 mammals have tested positive for the HPAI A(H5N1) virus in the US, according to USDA APHIS reports.

One human HPAI A(H5N1) infection was verified by the CDC on April 1, in a person who had contact with dairy cows in Texas that were thought to be virus-infected. This is believed to be the first case of the HPAI A(H5N1) virus spreading from a mammal to a human. When people who had contact with sick dairy cows started to report new, infrequent human cases, the CDC started to do so in May 2024. The most recent data on human cases is accessible here.

There may be more chances for human exposure to HPAI A(H5N1) viruses due to their extensive geographic dissemination in wild birds, poultry, and certain other mammals, including cows. Thus, even while there isn't a greater chance of these viruses moving from birds to humans, there may be a rise in isolated human illnesses brought on by contact with birds and other animals.

The CDC thinks there is now little chance of avian flu viruses spreading to the general populace. The HPAI A(H5N1) virus is more likely to infect people if exposed to infected birds or animals, including cows, at work or during leisure time.