Science Policy Around the Web – June 5, 2024
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A third person—a dairy worker in Michigan—has been infected with the bird flu, or the H5N1 virus. This highly virulent disease was first detected in the Spring among dairy cattle. Just last week, another person in Michigan was also infected. The dairy worker most recently infected is the first of three human cases to experience symptoms of respiratory illness, reporting cough and eye discomfort.
Both workers in Michigan, who were working in different facilities, were not wearing full protective equipment. The recent human infections have sparked federal calls for increased precautions, like personal protective equipment, for those interacting directly with cattle.
Though more human infections are anticipated, the CDC has stated that there is minimal risk to the public because the disease cannot be passed from person-to-person.
Currently, the virus has been detected in herds in nine states. However, the virus has likely been circulating in the US up to four months before the first cases were detected in March. A key part of the response will be testing cattle.
On Thursday, the USDA announced a voluntary pilot program to increase testing of herds not known to be infected with the virus. Dairy farmers who participate in this program will have more flexibility to transport lactating cows across state lines if their bulk milk tanks are negative for at least three weeks. USDA hopes that this program will incentivize increased surveillance efforts.
In addition, the USDA has announced $824 million in funding, which will be used to fund surveillance and animal vaccine development to protect livestock against this pathogen.
Original?article?by:?Rachel Roubein, Washington Post
Article?summary?by:?Lauren Oliveira Hashiguchi, PhD