Testing for H5N1 Infection Remains Restricted, with Outbreak Spreading Beyond Confined Areas. Potential Presence of Asymptomatic Cows in North Carolina Prompts Calls for Reevaluation.
So far, bird flu in cattle seems to affect only lactating cows, and only temporarily. There have been no diagnoses in calves, pregnant heifers or beef cows, and no deaths.
For the past month, federal officials have consistently assured the public that the avian flu outbreak on dairy farms does not impact the nation's food or milk supply, nor does it pose a significant risk to public health.
However, recent developments suggest that the cow outbreak may be more severe than initially believed. In a perplexing web update this week, the Department of Agriculture announced evidence of the virus spreading among cows and from cows to poultry.
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The New York Times has reported that North Carolina officials have detected cases of bird flu in a herd of cattle that show no symptoms, a revelation not made public by the U.S.D.A. These findings suggest that infections may be more widespread than previously understood.
It remains unclear whether asymptomatic animals are present in other locations, as farms are not mandated by the U.S.D.A. to screen their cattle for infection. While farmers have been reimbursed for testing costs, coverage has been limited to the first 20 visibly ill cows on each farm. In a recent announcement, the department revealed plans to provide compensation for testing asymptomatic cows moving forward.
Federal officials have shared limited genetic information about the virus with scientists and officials in other countries, a crucial step in understanding its evolving nature as it spreads.
Despite the known propensity of pigs to host evolving flu viruses and their frequent proximity to cattle, there is no active monitoring of infections in pigs. Officials have expressed "no concern" regarding the safety of milk, despite the absence of concrete data.
In joint statements issued in March, the U.S.D.A., the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reassured the public of the safety of pasteurized milk. However, the F.D.A. is currently conducting tests to determine whether the pasteurization process effectively eliminates the virus. The agency has not disclosed a timeline for the release of test results.
Some experts have criticized the agencies for asserting the safety of milk before having definitive data, despite the minimal risk to the public. "I understand that the milk market is very concerned about even a slight reduction in consumption," remarked Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota
For the past month, federal officials have consistently assured the public that the avian flu outbreak on dairy farms does not impact the nation's food or milk supply, nor does it pose a significant risk to public health.
However, recent developments suggest that the cow outbreak may be more severe than initially believed. In a perplexing web update this week, the Department of Agriculture announced evidence of the virus spreading among cows and from cows to poultry.
abcd
The New York Times has reported that North Carolina officials have detected cases of bird flu in a herd of cattle that show no symptoms, a revelation not made public by the U.S.D.A. These findings suggest that infections may be more widespread than previously understood.
It remains unclear whether asymptomatic animals are present in other locations, as farms are not mandated by the U.S.D.A. to screen their cattle for infection. While farmers have been reimbursed for testing costs, coverage has been limited to the first 20 visibly ill cows on each farm. In a recent announcement, the department revealed plans to provide compensation for testing asymptomatic cows moving forward.
Federal officials have shared limited genetic information about the virus with scientists and officials in other countries, a crucial step in understanding its evolving nature as it spreads.
Despite the known propensity of pigs to host evolving flu viruses and their frequent proximity to cattle, there is no active monitoring of infections in pigs. Officials have expressed "no concern" regarding the safety of milk, despite the absence of concrete data.
In joint statements issued in March, the U.S.D.A., the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reassured the public of the safety of pasteurized milk. However, the F.D.A. is currently conducting tests to determine whether the pasteurization process effectively eliminates the virus. The agency has not disclosed a timeline for the release of test results.
Some experts have criticized the agencies for asserting the safety of milk before having definitive data, despite the minimal risk to the public. "I understand that the milk market is very concerned about even a slight reduction in consumption," remarked Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota
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