The first human bird flu infection in the US was reported in Texas last year, just weeks after the virus was found in cattle for the first time. In the past 12 months, at least 70 people have been infected with the virus, including one death linked to a Louisiana resident.
Researchers are racing against time to curb the spread of bird flu among animals, which has devastated 168 million birds across the US and nearly 1,000 cattle herds. Despite this, the risk to humans remains low, but experts warn that as the virus continues to spread in the environment, it may mutate and potentially adapt to spread between people.
Dr. Kimberly Dodd, dean of the college of veterinary medicine at Michigan State University, said that the outbreak is a “national problem” that requires a coordinated effort from laboratories, states, and federal agencies. She emphasized that rapid detection, culling of infected birds, and isolation of sick animals have helped prevent major outbreaks in recent months.
However, as spring approaches, experts fear that the spread of bird flu may increase as wild birds migrate across state borders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the risk to humans remains low, but scientists continue to monitor the virus for any mutations that could change its potential threat.
For farmers like Doug Corwin, the economic impact of the outbreak has been devastating. His family’s duck farm in Long Island, New York, was forced to euthanize 100,000 birds after the virus was found on their property, leading to a loss of income and job losses for his employees. The outbreak has also led to skyrocketing egg prices and widespread devastation among farming communities.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/12-months-70-cases-human-bird-flu-infection/story?id=120355303