WHO Official Warns of Potential Spread of H5N1 Bird Flu Virus to Cows
A World Health Organization (WHO) official raised concerns on Tuesday about the risk of the H5N1 bird flu virus spreading to cows in countries beyond the United States due to migratory birds.
Current Situation
- The US is currently the only country where dairy cows have been infected with the virus.
- Earlier this month, a person working on a dairy farm in Texas was reported to be recovering from bird flu after exposure to infected cattle.
WHO’s Response
Wenqing Zhang, head of the global influenza programme at WHO, stated that they are regularly updated about the outbreak and receive information almost daily. The organization maintains transparency in updating its risk assessment based on the available information.
Progress in Studies
Serological studies are currently ongoing, although they may require additional time to complete. Genetic sequencing data related to the US cattle outbreak has been shared, including early-stage information.
Genetic Sequencing Data
Zhang highlighted the immediate availability of genetic sequence data for both the human and cattle cases, emphasizing the importance of timely information sharing.
Impact of Avian Influenza A(H5N1)
The avian influenza A(H5N1) strain, which emerged in 1996, has caused significant mortality among poultry. The 2.3.4.4b clade of the virus, identified in 2020, has led to a surge in bird outbreaks, affecting not only poultry but also wild birds and various mammals.
