Health experts are raising concerns about the potential threat of a bird flu pandemic, as the virus shows signs of mutating and spreading among cows and humans in the United States. While there is no guarantee that bird flu will start transmitting between humans, US health authorities are reassuring the public that the risk remains low.
The deadly bird flu variant H5N1 first appeared in China in 1996 and has since spread globally, even reaching Antarctica. Millions of poultry birds have been culled, and wild birds in numerous countries have succumbed to the virus. Additionally, mammals like seals have experienced mass die-offs after consuming infected birds.
Recently, the virus has been detected in dairy cows in the US, with 58 human cases reported this year, including some individuals with no known contact with infected animals. Concerns are also raised about potential undetected cases among dairy workers, highlighting the need for increased surveillance.
Experts warn that the virus is just a mutation away from potentially spreading more easily among humans. While there are still barriers preventing widespread human transmission, the evolving nature of the virus poses a significant risk. Efforts are underway to monitor and test for bird flu in various animal and human populations to prevent a potential pandemic.
Despite the severity of the virus, researchers note that antiviral treatments and vaccines are available, offering some level of protection. Continued vigilance, testing, and information sharing are crucial in mitigating the risk of a bird flu pandemic. The US government has announced plans to test the milk supply for bird flu, particularly focusing on raw milk, which has been found to be contaminated in the past.
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