Bird flu broke out last year in cows in the US. A current study now shows that it can be traced to a single wild bird contact. The contact was probably “in Texas in the middle of 2023”, according to the specialized magazine “Science”.
The virus then spread among the cows for months, for example in the American states of North Carolina, Idaho, Michigan, Ohio, Kansas and South Dakota. Other animals were also infected, including raccoons, cats and birds. The virus was mutated, the researchers of Iowa State University wrote.
The group analyzed virus data, genome sequences and government information about the outbreak in the US.
The largest wave on different continents
The largest documented bird flu wave is currently unbridled on various continents. In March 2024, a form of bird flu H5N1 was first discovered in dairy cows in the US. The outbreak continues, dozens of people have already infected themselves. One person died.
Experts advise more measures to contain the virus, otherwise a pandemic could occur. The health authorities in the United States currently estimate the risk of the general population as low.
Source: Krone
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