Bird Flu Spills to Nevada Cows Again, Raising New Concerns

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) revealed that dairy cows in Nevada have contracted a new strain of avian influenza, distinct from the one that has been circulating among poultry flocks for the past year. This discovery signifies that the H5N1 virus has jumped from birds to cows at least twice, resulting in two separate infection events, and raises concerns about its potential for continued transmission.

The finding also suggests a persistent risk posed by the virus to both cows and humans who work closely with them. Prior to last year, scientists were unaware of cows' susceptibility to this type of influenza. "This is not what anyone wanted to see," stated Louise Moncla, an evolutionary biologist specializing in avian influenza at the University of Pennsylvania. "We now need to consider the possibility that cows are more broadly susceptible to these viruses than initially thought."

Potential for Broader Impact

The news release from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a division of the USDA, emphasizes the seriousness of this development. Notably, federal agencies have not conducted a public news briefing on bird flu since President Trump's inauguration.

This new strain's emergence underscores the evolving nature of avian influenza and its potential to impact various species. It calls for heightened vigilance, further research, and comprehensive measures to mitigate the risks associated with this highly contagious virus.