A recent study has shed light on the alarming spread of the highly contagious H5N1 bird flu virus among cattle, posing a significant threat to both animal and human health. Conducted by Professor Hualan Chen from the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, the research reveals that the virus invades the mammary glands of dairy cows, contaminating milk and damaging mammary tissues.
The study found that the natural infection route is through the teat, where contaminated feed and water can introduce the virus into bovine oral tissues rich in sialic acid receptors. This facilitated replication and spread allowed the virus to efficiently infect calves with H5N1 in their mouths, which could then transmit it to the mammary glands of other cows.
The research provides promising results for potential vaccines, demonstrating complete protection against H5N1 for both an inactivated vaccine and a hemagglutinin-based DNA vaccine. This suggests that vaccination could be a viable solution for controlling H5N1 outbreaks in cattle.
Implementing vaccination programs is crucial for protecting dairy herds and safeguarding public health. The study also highlights the importance of monitoring and managing cattle interactions, particularly focusing on calves and their nursing behaviors. By understanding the specific transmission routes, farmers and veterinarians can implement targeted measures to disrupt the spread of the virus.
The findings have significant implications for global health and the dairy industry, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies that incorporate vaccination, surveillance, and biosecurity measures. As H5N1 continues to spread, it is imperative to adopt proactive measures to address the root causes and transmission pathways.
This alarming development underscores the interconnectedness of animal and human health, urging stakeholders to prioritize proactive measures and collaborate globally to effectively combat this threat.
Source: https://www.sustainability-times.com/research/they-drank-infected-milk-and-spread-chaos-scientists-trace-bird-flu-outbreak-in-us-cows-to-rampaging-virus-carrying-calves