A recent study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases has found evidence of the transmission of the H5N1 bird flu virus to cats on a Texas dairy farm. The study revealed that the symptoms in cows on the farm included decreased milk production and yellow, creamy milk, while the cats experienced mental state changes, blindness, and death.
The cats were found to have the H5N1 virus in their lungs, brains, hearts, and eyes, similar to experimentally infected cats. The contaminated milk from the cows is believed to be the likely source of the cat’s infections, raising concerns about mammal-to-mammal transmission of the virus.
This is the first time that the US Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of H5N1 in a dairy herd, with infections also being reported in nine states. The Food and Drug Administration has detected genetic traces of H5N1 in commercial milk samples, highlighting the potential risks associated with consuming raw cow’s milk.
The study also found that the H5N1 virus has been found in over 200 mammals since 2022, indicating an increased level of virus adaptation in mammals. It is important for the public to be aware of the dangers of drinking raw cow’s milk, as it poses a risk of H5N1 transmission.
More surveillance is needed to prevent cross-species transmission of the H5N1 virus and to protect both animals and humans from potential outbreaks. This study serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring and controlling the spread of animal diseases to prevent further transmission to humans.
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