A person exposed to dairy cattle in Texas has tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, the Texas Dept. of Health and Human Services reported to the Centers for Disease Control. Their only symptom was eye redness (consistent with conjunctivitis), and they are recovering, according to the International Dairy Foods Assn.
We reported March 25 that USDA confirmed HPAI in two dairy cattle herds in Texas and two herds in Kansas; a subsequent case was found in Michigan. There’s no threat to human health, officials said at the time, and milk and dairy products remain safe to consume – as long as they are pasteurized. Even the cows are mildly affected, most recovering within two to three weeks.
We’ve carried stories in recent weeks about bird flu among chicken and turkey flocks, but last week’s was apparently the first occurrence of it in another species of farm animal. CDC says H5N1 viruses only rarely have been transmitted from person to person. As such, the risk to the general public remains low at this time.
USDA today reported HPAI H5N1 in a dairy herd in New Mexico, as well as five additional dairy herds in Texas plus a presumptive positive test for a herd in Idaho.
HPAI primarily is spread by birds to other birds, although it can infect other mammals, especially those outdoors on farms. All dairy farmers have been told to increase biosecurity measures.
