Second Human Bird Flu Case on Texas Dairy Farms Spurs Urgent Action

In early February, dairy farms in the Texas Panhandle experienced an outbreak of a highly pathogenic bird flu virus, H5N1, which was initially misdiagnosed, allowing it to spread to at least eight other states. The virus, typically found in birds, unexpectedly infected cattle, raising concerns about potential mutations that could pose a risk to humans. The outbreak has disrupted dairy operations and led to federal restrictions, causing tension between farmers and authorities. Researchers emphasize the need for better surveillance and understanding of virus transmission to prevent future epidemics.