U.S. study of cows infected with avian influenza in different states

On Monday, March 25, the agency confirmed the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on two dairy farms. Texas With two other people Kansas.On Friday, a laboratory also confirmed the presence of the virus in a group of animals Michigan He recently received cows from Texas.Additionally, other herds have received presumptive positive results New Mexico, Idaho and Texas, Still awaiting official confirmation.

The strain found in Michigan is very similar to strains identified in Texas and Kansas. Everything indicates that it was introduced by wild birds (H5N1, Eurasian goose/Guangdong lineage 2.3.4.4b). Preliminary tests have found that the virus has not changed in any way that would make it more likely to spread to humans, so the overall risk to the public remains low.

However, a statement from North American authorities noted that “the spread of symptoms among cattle in Michigan also suggests that this possibility cannot be ruled out.” Transmission of HPAI among cattle«. However, affected animals recover after isolation and there are few or no associated deaths.

The authority noted that there are no safety risks to commercial milk supplies as the products are pasteurized before entering the market. Additionally, milk from affected animals is diverted or destroyed to prevent it from entering the human food supply.

However, due to limited information on the spread of the virus in the region raw milkThe FDA advises industry not to produce or sell raw milk or raw milk/unpasteurized milk cheese products made with milk from cows showing symptoms of disease, including cows infected with avian influenza. or contact with someone infected with avian influenza.

Authorities said milk losses from symptomatic cows were too limited to have a significant impact on supply or the price of milk or other dairy products.