1A ICYMI: Bird Flu Has Spread To Cows In Arizona And Nevada
Feb 26, 2025
Apoorva Mandavilli, a science and global health reporter at the New York Times, dives into the alarming spread of bird flu, specifically its transmission to dairy cows. The podcast discusses unexpected symptoms in cows, including curdled milk, and the rising human health risks. Mandavilli highlights inequities in farm worker testing and the complex global responses to avian influenza. Vaccination policy challenges are also examined, emphasizing the urgent need for better biosecurity measures and awareness of this evolving health threat.
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Bird Flu Spread in Cows
- Cases of avian flu in dairy cows in Nevada and Arizona are causing scientists to rethink how the virus spreads.
- Bulk milk testing revealed widespread infection, and a new variant (D11) raises concerns due to serious symptoms in humans.
Bird Flu Symptoms in Cows
- In dairy cows, bird flu causes unusual milk curdling, turning it thick and yellow.
- It also leads to increased miscarriages and reduced milk production, impacting dairy farmers.
Human Bird Flu Symptoms
- Human bird flu symptoms resemble regular flu, including respiratory and gastrointestinal issues.
- The D11 variant caused severe illness in two hospitalized cases, making it difficult to distinguish from seasonal flu.