Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by influenza A viruses. The H5 subtype, particularly H5N1, is notorious for its severe impact on poultry and humans. It primarily spreads through direct contact with infected birds, droppings, or contaminated surfaces. While wild birds can carry the virus without showing symptoms, domestic poultry are particularly vulnerable, often leading to widespread outbreaks. The virus can also spread to other animals, including mammals such as pigs and cats, and even marine mammals like seals, through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. These cross-species transmissions can occur when animals ingest contaminated water, consume infected birds, or come into contact with contaminated surfaces.
Humans can become infected through close contact with infected birds, contaminated environments, or other animals that have contracted the virus. Those at most significant risk include poultry workers, farmers, and others in close contact with birds.
Introduction to Pathogen Pulse with Isis Lamphier, MPH, CIC
Welcome to Pathogen Pulse With Isis Lamphier, MPH, CIC, a column featured in Infection Control Today (ICT) that digs deeper into the infection prevention headline topics curated by Isis Lamphier, MPH, CIC. As a manager of infection prevention and control, Isis brings knowledge from her experience of hands-on work as an infection preventionist. Her background in managing and mitigating infectious diseases is complemented by her contributions as a writer and editorial board member for various publications on infection control, including ICT.
With a focus on current developments, each edition of Pathogen Pulse is designed to keep you informed and ahead of the curve and will be your go-to resource for navigating the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of infection prevention and control. Stay tuned for invaluable insights that will help you stay proactive and prepared in the fight against infectious diseases!
In a recent update from the CDC, Jay Butler, MD, the deputy director for infectious disease at the CDC, highlighted the concerning increase in cases of H5N1 bird flu among dairy cattle. In recent development, the virus has been detected across multiple states, marking a notable shift as dairy cows have emerged as new mammalian hosts. The virus appears to be spreading primarily through unpasteurized milk and milking equipment. This outbreak has also led to mild human cases linked to exposure to infected cattle. The CDC maintains that the overall risk to the public remains low; however, those in close contact with infected animals, such as dairy workers and veterinarians, are at greater risk.
The recent detection of H5N1 bird flu in cattle represents a significant development, indicating the virus's adaptation to a new mammalian host. This shift suggests a potential increase in cross-species transmission risk, particularly among individuals in close contact with cattle, such as dairy workers.
A new study by Gregory Gray at the University of Texas Medical Branch suggests that more livestock workers have contracted bird flu than are being officially reported, mainly due to poor surveillance. This underreporting could delay the detection of a potentially more contagious virus strain, posing a severe public health risk.
The CDC closely monitors the situation, employing a comprehensive One Health approach that includes enhanced virus surveillance and genetic analysis. Public health efforts are focused on preventing transmission, including advising the consumption of pasteurized milk, which is considered safe. The FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have announced the results of a groundbreaking study that confirmed pasteurization effectively inactivates the Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) virus in fluid milk and dairy products. This study, the first of its kind to simulate commercial milk processing, demonstrated that standard pasteurization time and temperature requirements effectively eliminate the virus.
The CDC emphasizes the importance of staying informed and prepared, as the virus's behavior can be unpredictable, such as wearing personal protective equipment when handling cattle, avoiding direct contact with sick animals, and practicing good hygiene. Regularly disinfecting equipment and facilities, ensuring proper ventilation, and promptly reporting any signs of illness in cattle are also crucial. Additionally, workers should avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products and follow guidelines from health authorities to minimize the risk of infection.
