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No One Knows How Far Bird Flu Has Spread

May 7, 2024
Experts discuss the spread of bird flu in US dairy cattle, highlighting challenges in tracking the virus among workers. The chapter also explores USDA regulations on testing cattle for H5N1 and risks of consuming raw milk.
06:35

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Quick takeaways

  • Bird flu outbreaks in dairy herds are more widespread than reported, with a lack of testing and undocumented laborers on farms contributing to underestimation.
  • Consuming raw milk poses risks of H5N1 virus transmission from infected cows, highlighting the importance of public education on food safety.

Deep dives

USDA Confirms Bird Flu Outbreaks in Dairy Cattle

The USDA has reported 36 confirmed outbreaks of bird flu in dairy herds across nine states, with cases emerging among dairy cattle. Although initially found in Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico, the virus has now spread. Despite the high number of reported cases, experts believe that the actual spread of the virus is underestimated due to underreporting and underdiagnosis. Human infections, while rare, can be severe, with over half of recorded cases being fatal.

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