Recently, scientists made an unexpected discovery: the H5N1 avian influenza virus was found in cows' milk. This discovery caused great interest in the scientific community, as it was previously believed that this virus mainly affects birds. A team of researchers led by Amy Eisfeld from the University of Wisconsin-Madison conducted experiments with a virus taken from the milk of an infected cow. They discovered that the virus can infect the mammary glands not only of cows, but also of other mammals such as mice and ferrets. These animals are often used in human influenza research. So he's mutated? Or was it simply not noticed before?
Theoretically, the virus could be transmitted to cows through the nose, but most likely the route of transmission was different. Image: Urban Farm
Contents
- 1 Bird flu in cows
- 2 How bird flu is transmitted< /li>
- 3 How to protect yourself from H1N1
- 4 Features of the avian influenza virus
Bird influenza in cows
Interestingly, similar observations have been made before. Back in 1953, scientists noticed that another strain of bird flu could infect the mammary glands of cows. And during the 2009 pandemic, it was discovered that the virus could infect ferret tissue. That is, contrary to its name, it is dangerous not only for birds, as many people think.
The H5N1 virus outbreak has now affected more than 135 cow herds in 12 US states. Some animals show no symptoms, while others suffer from fever, fatigue and decreased appetite. Also, in sick cows, the amount of milk produced decreases.
Scientists have found that the virus can enter the body of animals through a special protein on the surface of milk cells. This protein is similar to that found in ducks. In addition, the virus canspread through contaminated milking equipment.
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How is bird flu transmitted
Although the virus has also been found in the respiratory tract of cows, there is no evidence yet that it can easily transmitted through the air. Virologist Richard Webby believes cows are not particularly suitable for spreading the virus except through direct contact with the udder.
To better understand exactly how the virus works, the researchers conducted experiments on mice and ferrets. They found that the virus can spread throughout the animals' bodies, affecting various organs, including the brain, intestines, kidneys and heart.
Birds did not directly infect cows. Most likely, it was transmitted through milking equipment. Image: Milknews
As for the risk to people, health experts consider it low for the majority of the population. However, farm workers who have direct contact with animals are at increased risk. In the United States, four cases of mild illness have already been reported in people who worked with infected cows. And this is not the limit, since such infections quickly spread beyond the borders of specific countries.
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How to protect yourself from H1N1
If you have a question about how to reduce the already low risks of infection, there are several solutions. Experts recommend avoiding raw milk. However, milk sold in stores is considered safe, since the pasteurization process effectively destroys the H5N1 virus.
However, scientists continue to closely monitor the development of the situation. Of particular concern is the possibility that the virus could adapt and become more dangerous to people. The fact is that cow cells have receptors for both avian and human influenza viruses. This creates conditions for different types of viruses to mix and the possible emergence of new, more infectious strains.
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This situation highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and research in virology to protect the health of both animals and people.
Features of the avian influenza virus
Avian influenza virus (also known as avian influenza or avian influenza) — It is a highly pathogenic virus that primarily infects various species of birds, but can also infect humans and some other mammals.
A test for the virus in birds is taken something like this. Sound familiar? Image: Center for Public Hygiene Education
It belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family, genus Influenzavirus A. The subtypes H5N1, H7N9 and H5N8 are considered the most dangerous to humans. The natural reservoir of the virus is wild waterfowl, especially ducks, geese and gulls. From them the virus can be transmitted to poultry.
Transmission of the virus to humans occurs through close contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces, as is the case with milking machines. Cases of person-to-person transmission are extremely rare. If transmission has occurred, symptoms in people range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and multiple organ failure. The lethality of some strains can reach 60%.
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Prevention includes: vaccination of poultry, compliance with biosafety rules in poultry farms, avoiding contact with sick/dead poultry, heat treatment of poultry meat and eggs.
Outbreaks occur periodically among poultry, which leads to mass slaughter of livestock to prevent spread. WHO and national health authorities are closely monitoring the circulation of the virus due to its pandemic potential if genes mutate or reassort.
Antiviral drugs are used to treat avian influenza, but their effectiveness is limited. New vaccines and treatments are currently being developed.