Bird Flu (H5N1) Update, May 6th, 2024

It has been a long time since we chatted. I hope you are well. I want to share a little update with you so that you are aware of what is going on with Bird Flu and can be watchful and informed.

You may recall that bird flu has been spreading through wild birds for over a year now. The infected wild birds have infected commercial birds. You probably remember the chicken shortage last year and I am sure you have noticed the increase in the price of eggs. Well we have now seen it spreading to other animals, most notably cows.

1. As of mid-week last week 36 herds of dairy cows have tested positive for Bird Flu (H5N1), these herds span multiple states. (list right below)

2. Avian influenza virus type A (H5N1) has been confirmed in dairy cattle in nine states: 12 herds in Texas, eight in New Mexico, six in Michigan, four in Kansas, two in Idaho, and one each in Ohio, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Colorado. (read more)

3. While it is quite deadly to birds, the cows are doing well with treatment. However, some cats who have drank milk from the infected cows are dying.

4. Our milk and food supply are ok. Let's talk about the milk first.

   1. Testing has been done and they have found particles of the virus in pasteurized milk - However, it is just bits and pieces, no full virus - so it can't infect you. IF you are drinking UNPASTURIZED milk, you want to be very cautious as there has not been extensive testing yet done, so it is possible you may be at risk as the virus does pass, intact, through the milk. (as evidenced by the cats.)

   2. Random testing of meat has not shown any signs of the virus so far.

5. Cow to cow transmission is happening. Cow to human transmission has happened in one instance (cow to farmer). The farmer's symptoms were mild and responded to treatment. However, the disease typically has a very high fatality rate, which is what makes it worth monitoring. You can read more here.

6. Key takeaways:

   1. just be aware of what is happening,
      

   2. stick with pasteurized milk right now,

   3. avoid unpasteurized cheese products right now,

   4. cook beef to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F,

   5. do the same for your pets,

   6. if you work around or have cattle watch for signs of illness in the cattle and don't ignore any illness you may encounter yourself.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Things are certainly chaotic in the world. But if nothing else, the last 4 years has shown us the resilience of the human spirit. In the face of challenges, let's be the ones who unite in compassion and determination. Working together, staying informed, and supporting each other we are stronger than ever.