Are We Worried about Bird Flu?

Bird flu has recently spread rapidly among cows on several dairy farms located across California, Idaho and Utah. H5N1, also referred to as Avian Influenza A or Avian Flu, usually affects wild birds; however, in 2022 it spread to commercial poultry production before infecting cattle in March of 2024 and eventually striking back against humans who came into contact with infected animals. A handful of those exposed have contracted H5N1. Although currently limited to farms, there’s always the risk that it might develop mutations allowing its spread between humans – creating another pandemic scenario in our midst. “So far we have not witnessed human-to-human transmission and I consider this an enormously positive development,” Dr. Andrew Bowman from Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine’s veterinary epidemiology lab noted in HuffPost interview. Here is what we know about bird flu – and the factors which could lead to its spread into humans. What’s happening now with bird flu? As of January 2022, health officials identified an H5N1 outbreak among wild birds — the first such instance since 2016 according to the Centers for Disease Control. One month later, H5N1 broke out at a commercial poultry facility and infected multiple turkeys. Since then, its presence has been detected in more animals – cattle, goats, alpacas, and recently even a pig! Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert and senior scholar from Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Health Security told HuffPost that an increase in avian influenza activity is being driven by an outbreak among wild birds that has since spread into poultry farms and now dairy cattle farms, according to Adalja’s observations. One key difference from previous outbreaks lies within this one – dairy cattle have now been infected by H5N1, making its mark as being unique compared to previous instances. At one time, Bowman said health officials did not believe cattle could contract influenza. “Cows don’t have access to flu vaccines, and the dairy industry hasn’t seen anything quite like this before,” noted an infectious diseases specialist. Furthermore, infectious disease experts were concerned by this case because pigs can become infected by both human and avian viruses simultaneously and produce new strains with which human infections might mix, creating the possibility for cross-infection of both types. Adalja states that when two viruses in the body exchange genetic material, this process could create “a novel influenza virus which may easily infiltrate and spread among human hosts”, according to Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist Dr. Richard Martinello. Adalja reports these types of re-assorted viruses were responsible for influenza pandemics such as 1957, 1968, and 2009 outbreaks. Can humans contract the bird flu? Adalja notes that as more animals get infected with bird flu, more chances exist for humans exposed to infected animals to contract it themselves, increasing chances for human infections as a result of exposure. In April 2024, one person tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, marking its initial human-to-human transmission. More cases were noted later in May among people exposed to infected dairy cows. In 2024, 46 individuals across the U.S. have been diagnosed with bird flu following contact with either an infected cow or bird; according to a July 2024 study published, however, experts believe the true number may likely exceed this count. That report investigated blood serum samples collected from those working at dairy farms with bird flu outbreaks and found that 14.3% had antibodies for H5N1, suggesting prior infection with it. How big of a public health threat does the bird flu pose?According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), all reported instances have been classified as isolated instances of animal-to-human transmission; therefore, risk to general public is currently low since bird flu has not spread directly between people. Adalja explained that for any virus to spread effectively among humans, genetic changes would need to take place that allow it to better bind with human receptors and spread. If you’re concerned about eating food products from sick animals, remember that pasteurized milk remains safe from contamination. According to Bowman, cooking your meat to an ideal temperature will effectively kill any flu virus present, though those working on farms or exposed to infected animals face greater risks than others. People infected by HPAI generally exhibit mild respiratory and conjunctivitis symptoms; none of the farmworkers with HPAI were hospitalized as per CDC reports. Farmworker safety should always come first. Wearing PPE while handling sick or dead animals and seeking testing if symptoms arise should be top priorities for workers, according to Bowman. “One thing people can do at work to safeguard themselves is change clothes and shower,” she advised. Are We Prepared for an Expanding Outbreak? According to Adalja, surveillance and testing efforts have fallen short, which allowed the virus to quickly spread between animals. Recently, however, USDA announced plans to ramp up testing efforts over time. Our agency will collaborate with state veterinarians to test bulk milk samples to get an accurate understanding of where and how H5N1 is spreading.We Need Your SupportOther news outlets have closed their paywalls; but, at The Atlantic we need all our readers’ help in order to stay unbiased in reporting H5N1. At HuffPost, we believe journalism should be free for everyone. Will you help provide essential news to our readers during this critical period? 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At HuffPost, our mission to deliver free and fair news coverage is of vital importance at this critical juncture — but we need your support more than ever in order to fulfill it! Donate once or sign up regularly as part of keeping journalism free for all. Take action by supporting HuffPost! Already contributed? Click here. Log into your account in order to temporarily hide these messages. It is vital that these are hidden as more time passes means more chances the virus has at adapting itself to humans. “If we continue to see more infections among animals – particularly pigs – and more occasional cases among humans, the risks increase significantly,” Martinello explained. If clustered infections arise among people then that indicates the virus has developed the ability to spread between people more readily. As seen with COVID-19 pandemic, novel viruses can spread rapidly. Scientists have created H5N1 vaccines; however they are yet to become widely available, according to Martinello. He recommends getting seasonal influenza vaccination as it poses greater threat. Incorporating seasonal flu vaccination into your health regimen would offer greater protection. “Getting seasonal influenza vaccinated can protect yourself,” Martinello stated.