A recent study has raised concerns about the spread of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in dairy cattle across the United States. Researchers from Emory, Stanford, and Verily Life Sciences have found spikes of influenza A virus in wastewater samples from 59 sewer systems in 18 states, potentially indicating the presence of H5N1.
The US Department of Agriculture has reported infections in over 30 herds of dairy cows in nine states, but tracking the outbreak size has proven challenging. Officials have also admitted difficulty in testing milk producers for infection, with genetic material from H5N1 found in 1 out of 5 milk samples tested from grocery stores.
To address these concerns, researchers have developed a test to distinguish H5 influenza from other A-strain flu viruses in wastewater samples. Increases in A-strain viruses have been detected in 59 treatment plants this spring, possibly linked to H5N1 infections in dairy cattle. However, no confirmed outbreaks in cows have been reported.
The study suggests that wastewater testing could serve as an early warning system for bird flu outbreaks in farm animals. It also points to dumped milk as a potential cause for spikes in H5 viruses in the samples.
These findings highlight the importance of monitoring wastewater for early detection of H5N1 and other avian influenza viruses in agricultural settings. The potential impact on public health and the dairy industry underscores the need for continued research and surveillance efforts to prevent further spread of the virus.
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