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Avian flu spreading between mammals in USA, study confirms
Herds in 13 US states have tested positive for the virus.
The virus is spreading between cattle as well as to other mammals.

The current outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cattle in the USA has led to mammal-to-mammal transmission, a new study has concluded.

The researchers found evidence of transmission between cattle, and from cattle to cats and a racoon.

Through the use of whole genome sequencing, modelling and epidemiological information, the researchers found cases of cow-to-cow transmission when infected cattle from Texas were moved to a farm in Ohio where there were healthy cows.

The team also found that cats, wild birds, and a raccoon found dead on affected farms had caught the virus. The mammals were most likely infected after drinking raw milk from infected cows.

Since March 2024, the outbreak has affected cattle herds in 13 states in the USA. Symptoms in cattle have included decreased food intake, decreased milk production, altered faecal consistency, and respiratory distress.

Diego Diel, an associate professor at Cornell University and one of the authors of the study, said: “This is one of the first times that we are seeing evidence of efficient and sustained mammalian-to-mammalian transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1.”

There have been a limited number of cases of farm workers contracting the virus and showing mild symptoms after contact with infected herds. However, the genome sequencing did not show any mutations that would likely increase transmissibility in humans, and pasteurisation has been shown to destroy the virus in milk.

Dr Diel added: “The concern is that potential mutations could arise that could lead adaptation to mammals, spillover into humans and potential efficient transmission in humans in the future.”

Authorities in the USA are continuing to monitor the virus.

The study has been published in the journal Nature.

Image © Shutterstock

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FIVP Practice Matters podcast returns for Series 2

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced that its podcast, FIVP Practice Matters, will be returning for a second series next year.

The bi-weekly podcast will return on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 with an episode on sustainability with Alison Lambert. The second series will include a range of new and familiar guests sharing veterinary initiatives and news from independent practices.

The podcast is available on Spotify and will now also be released on Apple Podcasts. More details about FIVP and the podcast can be found on its website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Further cases of H5N1 confirmed in Norfolk

APHA has officially confirmed that two more cases of H5N1 have been found on premises in Norfolk.

Testing confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was present at premises near Attleborough, as well as premises near Hingham in South Norfolk. The case near Hingham follows a slaughter on suspicion which was declared on 23 December.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been implemented at each premises, and all the poultry on each premises will be humanely culled.

A third case has also been identified near Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire.

APHA is reminding bird keepers to remain vigilant and follow biosecurity measures to prevent more outbreaks. Details on the current disease control zones and biosecurity guidance can be found on the APHA website.