A single sheep in Yorkshire, England tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus, marking the first known case of the virus in sheep globally. The infected animal was culled, and biosecurity measures were immediately implemented to prevent further spread. While the risk to livestock and the public remains low, officials urge animal owners to maintain strict cleanliness and report any signs of infection. Experts continue to monitor the virus’s evolution and spread across various animal species, emphasizing the low risk of human-to-human transmission.
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Two individuals, one in Wyoming and one in Ohio, were hospitalized with H5N1 bird flu, highlighting the virus’s potential severity. The Wyoming patient, exposed to infected poultry, remains hospitalized, while the Ohio patient, exposed during poultry depopulation, has recovered. These cases underscore concerns about reassortment with seasonal flu, potentially creating a pandemic-capable virus, given the current severe flu season. Prior H1N1 infection may offer some cross-protection, but its extent remains uncertain.
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H5N1 bird flu has spilled over into dairy cows in Nevada and Arizona, raising concerns about the virus’s spread and containment. The D1.1 variant, responsible for these spillovers and several human infections, is now considered endemic in cows, making containment unlikely without intervention. Experts propose several transmission theories, including bird-to-cow contact via contaminated feed and potentially human-to-cow spread. Simultaneously, reduced federal funding, anti-vaccine initiatives, and halted communication with the WHO hinder effective response and research efforts.
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To alleviate the U.S. egg shortage caused by a widespread avian influenza outbreak affecting nearly 129 million birds, Turkey has agreed to export 15,000 tonnes of eggs to the U.S. This shipment, lasting until July 2025, is a temporary measure supported by U.S. egg producers to stabilize prices and supply. While vaccination research is underway, widespread vaccination of poultry is currently infeasible. The agreement provides a crucial short-term solution to the ongoing crisis.
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In an effort to cut costs, the USDA inadvertently terminated several bird flu experts, a move it is now working to rectify. These terminations, part of broader federal workforce reductions, impacted essential personnel despite exemptions for veterinarians and emergency responders. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak, responsible for the culling of 148 million birds and impacting egg prices and human health, necessitates these experts’ continued employment. These actions follow recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency and coincide with the cancellation of numerous contracts, some related to DEI initiatives.
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Wyoming recently identified its first human case of avian influenza, a development that has understandably sparked concern and a flurry of reactions. The news comes as a significant event, highlighting the potential for the virus to spread within the human population, although it’s crucial to remember that this specific instance doesn’t yet represent human-to-human transmission.
The initial announcement has, predictably, become a political lightning rod. Some celebrate the event, albeit darkly, as a sign of American exceptionalism, while others see it as a symptom of deeper systemic failures. The lack of a coordinated, effective response to the situation fuels these pessimistic viewpoints, with the current administration’s approach coming under heavy scrutiny.… Continue reading
A CDC study, delayed amidst a communication freeze, reveals evidence of undetected H5N1 bird flu transmission from cattle to humans, with three veterinarians testing positive for antibodies despite lacking symptoms. The findings highlight inadequate surveillance, particularly given a veterinarian’s positive result in a state without reported cattle infections. This underscores the difficulty in tracking human infections, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance of cattle and dairy workers to prevent future outbreaks. The low number of detected cases may reflect limitations in current testing methods, suggesting a higher prevalence of undiagnosed infections.
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January saw a record high average price of $4.95 for a dozen Grade A eggs, more than double the August 2023 low, primarily due to a large bird flu outbreak resulting in the culling of nearly 158 million birds. This surge accounts for two-thirds of the increase in overall food costs and has led to shortages in many grocery stores, with some locations experiencing significantly higher prices and limited availability. The USDA predicts a 20% increase in egg prices this year, and relief is not anticipated soon, exacerbated by increased holiday demand and ongoing production challenges. Higher feed, fuel, and labor costs, along with increased biosecurity measures and growing demand, further contribute to the price increases.
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Ohio has confirmed its first human case of bird flu (H5N1) during the current outbreak, affecting an adult farmer in Mercer County who had contact with infected poultry. The risk to the general public remains low, according to the CDC. The state health department advises avoiding contact with sick or dead poultry and wild birds, and recommends using protective equipment when handling potentially infected animals. Further guidance emphasizes thorough handwashing and avoiding touching one’s face after contact.
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Nevada’s confirmation of its first human case of avian influenza, specifically in a dairy worker, is certainly a concerning development. This underscores the potential for zoonotic diseases – illnesses that jump from animals to humans – to impact our lives in unexpected ways. The fact that this occurred in a dairy worker, an individual regularly interacting with livestock, raises important questions about the potential transmission pathways.
It’s understandable that people are drawing parallels to previous pandemics, particularly the COVID-19 outbreak. The anxieties surrounding a potential new pandemic are palpable, especially given the political climate and the lingering impacts of the last major global health crisis.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood