In early March, when the H5N1 bird flu virus was first discovered in cows, farmers were instructed to discard the milk of sick cows to keep the milk supply safe. However, despite these efforts, the virus was detected in commercial milk products in eight states: Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota, Ohio, and Texas.
While its effects on humans are not yet clear, it is known to be a deadly virus that has caused millions of bird deaths. Public health officials in the US are concerned about the spread of bird flu as it can be highly deadly to humans. However, it does not spread easily from person to person so far. Only one person infected with the virus has been identified so far and 44 others are under active surveillance for potential infection.
Cows that test positive for the virus must undergo a 30-day quarantine period before being tested again. Despite mandatory pasteurization of milk in the US which is supposed to kill any bacteria or virus, the presence of the bird flu strain raises questions about how it survived the process.
Bird flu is a viral disease that primarily affects birds but can also be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms in humans are similar to regular flu and COVID-19 including fever, cough, sore throat muscle pain fatigue diarrhea and vomiting. In severe cases it can lead to pneumonia breathing difficulties and death especially at risk populations. Diagnosis is done using PCR test on nasal wash while treatment involves antiviral medications like Tamiflu and Relanza which can help manage symptoms but do not cure the disease completely.
Overall safeguarding against further outbreaks and potential health risks caused by H5N1 is crucial for both animals and human populations