Concerns Rise Over New Strain of Bird Flu in Dairy Cows
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- A novel strain of bird flu has been identified in the milk from certain dairy cow herds in the United States.
- Experts assure that the safety of the nation’s food supply is maintained due to stringent inspection protocols for cattle and the pasteurization of most dairy products.
- Nevertheless, some specialists express concern over the possibility of bird flu spreading to humans.
The recent emergence of a new variant of the H5N1 bird flu, dubbed D1.1, has been confirmed in dairy cows across two counties in Nevada, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This marks the first time this particular strain has been identified in cattle.
The B3.13 variant has previously been associated with infections in 950 cattle herds across 16 states and has primarily affected chickens and other avian species, resulting in a significant egg shortage nationwide.
The identification of the D1.1 variant in cattle has sparked concerns regarding the rapid mutation of the bird flu virus.
“It’s evolving in a way that it is no longer confined to poultry or wild waterfowl. It’s finding a foothold in mammals,” stated Beth Thompson, DVM, South Dakota’s state veterinarian, in an interview with Reuters.
While government officials maintain that the risk of bird flu transmitting to humans is low, some experts remain skeptical.
There are also worries that bird flu could contaminate the nation’s supply of meat, milk, and eggs.
According to government health officials
Here’s an overview of the bird flu virus’s spread and its potential implications for the U.S. food supply.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has
CDC officials indicate that most cases have been mild.
However, bird flu can lead to severe illness. The World Health Organization
A notable case involved a Louisiana man who succumbed to the D1.1 variant earlier this year, marking the only bird flu-related death in the U.S. amidst the current outbreak.
In November, a Canadian teenager was hospitalized in critical condition after contracting bird flu but has since made a full recovery.
CDC representatives
They
William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease expert and professor at Vanderbilt University, agrees with the CDC’s assessment.
“The bird flu virus hasn’t developed the ability to spread easily among humans or to infect them readily,” he shared with Healthline.
Schaffner also pointed out that no confirmed instances of human-to-human transmission have been recorded in the U.S. to date.
However, some experts caution that the virus has demonstrated a significant transmission rate from birds to cattle, and from birds to humans.
“The risk of this genotype spilling over from cows to humans is considerable. We already know it has moved from birds to humans,” stated Abraar Karan, MD, a post-doctoral infectious disease researcher at Stanford University.
Karan’s concerns are echoed by Seema Lakdawala, PhD, an influenza virologist at Emory University, who commented on the increasing risk in light of recent severe infections.
Instances of bird flu have been found in some raw milk products, prompting a voluntary recall in California last November.
However, no traces of bird flu have been detected in pasteurized commercial milk products. Experts attribute this to the pasteurization process
“Pasteurization has proven effective in inactivating the virus,” Karan noted.
“Since pasteurization kills the bird flu virus, all pasteurized dairy products—including milk, cream, yogurt, and cheese—are safe,” affirmed Schaffner. “Unpasteurized milk and dairy products pose a risk and should be avoided.”
Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of beef products. Nonetheless, USDA officials assert that the country’s “stringent meat inspection process” ensures the safety of the meat supply.
“While we haven’t observed direct transmission from beef, I would advise against consuming raw beef for now, even though no transmission through consumption has been documented,” Karan added.
“No risks have been linked to beef consumption, but standard food safety practices remain crucial: wash your hands thoroughly, clean cutting boards after use, and cook hamburgers to well-done temperatures,” Schaffner advised.
Since January 2022, there
These outbreaks have necessitated the culling of more than 145 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds to contain the virus.
This extensive culling has led to a nationwide egg shortage, causing prices to rise.
Despite the emergence of a new strain of the H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows, experts maintain that eggs are safe to consume when properly stored and cooked. The CDC recommends cooking eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the elimination of the bird flu virus. It’s essential to cook them thoroughly before eating.
While officials assess the risk of bird flu transmission to humans as low, experts advise vigilance as the virus continues to evolve. Fortunately, the nation’s milk supply remains secure due to pasteurization, which effectively kills the bird flu virus. Additionally, government inspection programs help maintain the safety of the beef supply, although thorough cooking of meat is still recommended.
Rest assured that with appropriate handling and cooking, you can continue to enjoy eggs without concern. Stay informed, ensure your food is cooked properly, and trust the safety measures in place to protect our food supply.
