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10mo ago

Study Reveals Limited Airborne Transmission of Bird Flu in US Cows

Researchers find H5N1 virus can infect mammary glands and bind to human-type receptors, but poses low pandemic risk

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In this March 24, 2017 photo, Zachary Moser fills bottles with raw milk on his parents' Be Whole Again Farm in Excelsior Springs, Mo. It is illegal to sell raw milk for human consumption in Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey and Rhode Island but local food groups, organic farming advocates and libertarians opposing government regulation are fighting to change that. They have succeeded at legalizing raw milk sales in some form in 42 states and wont rest until all states allow it. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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Overview

  • Ferrets exposed to the H5N1 strain from cows showed minimal airborne transmission in a controlled study.
  • The virus can bind to both avian and human-type receptors, raising concerns about potential adaptation.
  • Infected cows' milk production is affected due to mammary gland infections.
  • The virus has been detected in dairy herds across 12 states, with some cattle showing no symptoms.
  • Public health officials advise against consuming raw milk, but pasteurized milk remains safe.