All articles tagged with #birdflu
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The New York Times
The bird flu epidemic is severely impacting wild animal populations, posing a significant threat to biodiversity and conservation efforts. The virus, which has already caused widespread mortality among birds, is now affecting various wildlife species, raising concerns about the long-term ecological consequences.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Barron's
Health experts warn of the potential pandemic threat posed by the bird flu virus H5N1, which has been spreading among cows and infecting humans in the US. While the risk to the public remains low, the virus is just a mutation away from spreading more effectively among humans. Over 300 million poultry birds have been culled since 2021, and the virus has reached new regions, including Antarctica. Concerns are heightened by the virus's ability to infect various species, increasing the likelihood of human adaptation. Antiviral treatments and vaccines are available, but experts urge increased testing and information sharing to prevent a pandemic.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The New York Times
The process of milking cows can inadvertently contribute to the spread of bird flu due to the close interaction between farm animals and wild birds, which can carry the virus. This highlights the importance of implementing strict biosecurity measures on farms to prevent cross-species transmission of diseases.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Axios
Concerns are rising over the potential handling of the H5N1 bird flu outbreak under a second Trump administration, with fears of reduced infectious disease research and vaccine skepticism. Trump's health agency nominees, including vaccine skeptic Dave Weldon, could lead to decreased surveillance and preparedness, risking the resurgence of diseases. Experts worry about cuts to public health infrastructure and the impact on pandemic response, with significant implications for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by STAT
Despite a significant increase in human H5N1 bird flu cases in the U.S., all have been mild, puzzling scientists given the virus's historically high fatality rate. Researchers are exploring various hypotheses, including the mode of transmission, the specific virus strain, and potential pre-existing immunity from exposure to similar viruses. The mildness of U.S. cases contrasts with more severe cases in Asia, raising questions about the virus's true pathogenicity and the accuracy of previous fatality estimates.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Los Angeles Times
The California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory at UC Davis is facing significant workplace tensions due to understaffing and management issues, impacting its ability to test for the H5N1 bird flu virus. Employees report being overworked and struggling to meet testing demands, which could delay crucial responses to outbreaks. Despite denials from UC Davis officials, the lab has seen high staff turnover and errors in testing processes, raising concerns about its capacity to handle the ongoing avian flu crisis affecting California's poultry and dairy industries.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Los Angeles Times
California state agriculture officials have suspended the distribution of raw dairy products from Fresno-based Raw Farm due to concerns about H5N1 bird flu infections among its cattle. Despite contradictory test results, recent tests confirmed the presence of the virus in raw milk, prompting the ban. Public health experts express concern over the potential risk to consumers, although no cases of H5N1 transmission through milk consumption have been reported. The situation highlights the ongoing spread of bird flu and its implications for public health.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by ScienceAlert
California health officials have issued warnings after detecting highly pathogenic avian influenza in raw milk sold in Fresno, prompting a recall by The Raw Farm. While no illnesses have been reported from the contaminated milk, the outbreak highlights the risks of consuming unpasteurized milk, which can harbor dangerous pathogens. The virus, spreading among dairy cows and other animals, has led to over 400 affected dairy farms in California. Health experts emphasize pasteurization to ensure milk safety, as the virus poses a low but present threat to human health.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Los Angeles Times
Despite warnings from health authorities, many dairy farms in California are not taking adequate precautions against the spread of the H5N1 bird flu, which has been confirmed in over 400 operations. The virus poses a low risk to the public, but experts warn that conditions are ripe for a mutation that could increase its threat. Workers often lack protective gear, and some fear job loss if they report symptoms. Efforts to raise awareness and improve safety measures are ongoing, but compliance remains inconsistent.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NBC News
Bird flu has been detected in a batch of raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC, sold in California, prompting a voluntary recall. The California Department of Public Health advises against consuming the affected milk due to health risks associated with raw milk, which is not pasteurized. No illnesses have been reported from this batch, but the recall is a precaution amid ongoing bird flu cases in the state. Testing by the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory confirmed the presence of the virus, although subsequent tests at Raw Farm locations were negative.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by ABC News
As seasonal influenza approaches, concerns arise about the potential strain on the U.S. public health system due to the ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has resulted in 55 human cases. While the risk of person-to-person transmission of bird flu remains low, experts worry about the added stress on health surveillance systems. Testing for bird flu may become more challenging as flu season intensifies, and there are concerns about the possibility of a recombinant virus forming. Health officials recommend flu vaccinations to reduce the risk of co-infection.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Benzinga
A child in California has contracted bird flu, raising concerns about a potential outbreak, especially with a possible mutation reported in Canada. Vaccine development is underway by companies like Pfizer and Moderna, but the appointment of vaccine-skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration could complicate regulatory approval. Kennedy's past anti-vaccine stance and the political landscape may pose challenges for the rollout of a bird flu vaccine.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by ScienceAlert
A study by the CDC has found that 7% of dairy workers in Michigan and Colorado have antibodies for the H5N1 bird flu, indicating undetected human cases in the US. While most cases have been mild, the potential for the virus to mutate into more dangerous strains is a concern, as seen in Cambodia and Canada. The CDC emphasizes the need for better protective measures and monitoring to prevent further spread. Authorities urge good hygiene and reporting of sick animals to control the outbreak.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Guardian
A teenager in British Columbia, Canada, has been hospitalized with a potentially mutated strain of the H5N1 bird flu virus, raising concerns about increased transmissibility to humans. Experts warn that the US is not adequately monitoring bird flu cases, which could lead to undetected mutations. The Canadian teen's case, detected through surveillance, has not spread to contacts, but the mutation highlights the need for vigilant monitoring to prevent further human infections.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Seattle Times
An outbreak of bird flu has devastated a colony of Caspian terns on Rat Island near Port Townsend, Washington, killing over half of the adult birds and many chicks. The virus also affected harbor seals in the area, causing severe brain inflammation. The study, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, highlights the varied impact of bird flu on different species. The outbreak is part of a larger resurgence of the H5N1 virus in Washington, affecting both wildlife and poultry, with some human cases reported, though the risk to the general public remains low.