Keren Landman, an avian flu expert, and Kenny Torrella, a Vox writer, dive into the startling transmission of avian flu from chickens to cows. They discuss the alarming implications for the dairy industry and public health, emphasizing the effectiveness of pasteurization in making milk safe. The conversation critiques the USDA's handling of the outbreak and the complexities of managing the risks posed by viral mutations. Their insights shed light on the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety while balancing industry pressures.
Avian flu transmission to cows raises concerns about virus spread in milk and potential human exposure.
Criticism towards USDA's response to bird flu in cows underscores industry-regulatory balance and public health risks.
Deep dives
Spread of Bird Flu to Cows and Humans
The podcast episode discusses the unexpected transmission of bird flu to dairy cattle and subsequently to a human dairy worker. The H5N1 virus, a type of influenza A virus typically transmitted from poultry to humans, was found in cows for the first recorded time. This event raised concerns as the virus was detected in cow milk, leading to an investigation by epidemiologist Andrew Bowman.
Transmission and Prevention of Bird Flu Among Cows
The episode delves into how the bird flu may have spread from birds to cows, highlighting potential factors such as virus concentration in milk and cow-to-cow transmission through milking machines. The possibility of virus transmission through animal waste consumption or airborne exposure raises concerns about its pandemic potential. Despite the virus being found in dairy products, pasteurization remains an effective measure to ensure the safety of milk for consumption.
USDA Response and Industry Dynamics
Criticism towards the USDA's delayed response in monitoring and reporting the spread of bird flu in dairy cows is discussed. The USDA's challenges in balancing industry promotion and regulatory responsibilities are highlighted, reflecting the tension between prioritizing public health and industry interests. Concerns arise regarding the USDA's ability to effectively address the evolving situation and potential risks associated with the spread of bird flu among dairy cattle and humans.
Avian flu, which recently leapt from chickens to cows, has now been detected in milk. Vox’s Keren Landman and Kenny Torrella explain how worried humans should be about the outbreak.
This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Amina Al-Sadi, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.