The ongoing bird flu outbreak in the US, which has devastated bird populations worldwide since 2020, continues to worsen, now affecting livestock and sparking growing fears among health experts.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency this week, citing the alarming spread of the H5N1 virus in cattle and the increasing need for containment efforts.
A Growing Crisis
The H5N1 avian influenza, initially detected in birds, has since expanded its reach, infecting other species, including cattle for the first time earlier this year. California’s agriculture department has confirmed 645 infected dairy herds since the virus was first identified in the state’s cattle in late August. The situation worsened when health officials in Louisiana announced the first severe human case of H5N1, involving an individual hospitalized after exposure to sick birds in their backyard.
Despite reassurances from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that the overall risk to humans remains low, experts are increasingly concerned about the virus’s potential to spark a human pandemic. “The more the virus spreads and replicates, the greater the risk of mutations that could lead to human transmission,” warned Dr. Jerome Adams, former U.S. Surgeon General.
Bird Flu’s Trajectory
The H5N1 virus first reemerged in Europe in 2020, quickly becoming a global issue. It has decimated bird populations, including wild birds and domestic poultry, and has recently spread to mammals, such as sea lions, seals, and even pigs. The virus’s ability to jump species, including a case involving swine in Oregon, has heightened fears due to pigs’ capacity to harbor both human and avian flu strains.
To date, the CDC has documented 61 confirmed human cases and seven probable cases in the U.S., with most infections linked to exposure to sick livestock. However, scientists believe the actual number of human cases may be higher.
California’s Emergency Declaration
Governor Newsom’s declaration enables state and local authorities to access additional resources to address the outbreak. The move comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a federal order requiring milk supply testing, given the virus’s presence in dairy herds across 16 states. The dairy cattle outbreak, originating in Texas, has now affected 865 herds nationwide, further straining containment efforts.
What Lies Ahead
As the virus continues its unprecedented spread among animals, experts remain vigilant about the potential for human transmission. The growing pattern of mammal-to-mammal transmission, combined with the virus’s ability to mutate, underscores the urgency of coordinated global efforts to contain H5N1.
While health authorities emphasize that the immediate public health risk to humans remains low, they caution against complacency. “This is not just an agricultural or environmental issue; it’s a public health issue with far-reaching implications,” Dr. Adams concluded.
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Source: Vietnam Insider