Milk contaminated with bird flu detected in US

United States, March 25, 2024. – Sample milk Sick cattle collected from Kansas and Texas test positive Avian InfluenzaBut USDA reports U.S. milk supply is safe USA.

Testing in milk and milk dairy cow Showing the widespread spread of the virus, known as avian influenza, it has been detected in poultry and mammalian populations around the world.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are investigating whether cows in Kansas, Texas and New Mexico are showing symptoms such as reduced milk production and poor appetite.

So far, “unpasteurized clinical milk samples” collected from two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza.

A swab analysis of cattle from another Texas dairy farm also came back positive.

U.S. dairy industry groups urge importers not to ban or restrict shipments of U.S. dairy products because of these tests.

What is avian influenza?

Avian influenza, also known as avian influenza, is an infectious disease caused by influenza A virus that mainly affects poultry and wild birds. However, in some cases, these viruses can infect other animals and humans, causing severe disease outbreaks and, in rare cases, epidemics.

Virus type

Avian influenza viruses are divided into subtypes based on two proteins on their surface: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). There are 16 H-type and 9 N-type species in birds. The subtypes of greatest concern in terms of public and animal health are H5, H7 and H9, especially highly pathogenic strains such as H5N1 and H7N9.

spread

Avian influenza is spread from bird to bird through direct contact with infected animals, their secretions (such as saliva, mucus, and feces), or contaminated surfaces. Transmission from birds to humans can occur through close contact with infected birds (live or dead) or contaminated environments. However, human-to-human transmission is very rare.

Symptoms in birds

Symptoms can range from mild illness that may go unnoticed to highly pathogenic illnesses that can cause high mortality in birds within 48 hours. Symptoms may include hair pulling, reduced egg production, respiratory problems, lethargy and sudden death.

symptoms in humans

In humans, symptoms of avian influenza can range from a mild upper respiratory tract infection to severe and potentially fatal illness, including high fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and in some cases, pneumonia and multi-organ failure. and other complications.

Prevention and Control

The prevention and control of avian influenza involves biosecurity measures on poultry farms, monitoring of bird populations, vaccination of birds in some cases, and the correct and safe handling of poultry products. For people who come into contact with birds, the use of personal protective equipment and strict hygiene practices are recommended to reduce the risk of infection.

treat

Treatment for human avian influenza may include antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza), which are most effective when taken as soon as symptoms appear. Treatment of severe cases may require hospitalization and advanced life support.