May 14, 2024 – The unexpected transmission of bird flu to cattle has not resulted in a new human flu pandemic. While a dairy worker contracted pink eye after being infected, a widespread threat to the public has not yet materialized.
However, experts are closely monitoring the situation.
“The current risk of infection to the public is very low,” stated Dr. Maximo Brito, a professor of medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. “The CDC is actively monitoring flu activity in medical facilities, and no significant issues have been identified so far.”
Dr. Tina Tan, a professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the risk of bird flu to the U.S. population remains low. Both experts spoke at a news briefing hosted by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).
Infected cows have been reported on 36 farms across nine U.S. states. The federal government now mandates that cows test negative for bird flu, also known as avian flu, before crossing state lines. While federal jurisdiction does not extend within states, recommendations are being made to contain the outbreak and provide assistance to affected farmers.
The H5N1 virus responsible for bird flu has been detected in cows since December 2023, a surprising development according to Dr. Brito, who is also an IDSA fellow.
Is the Consumption of Milk, Eggs, and Beef Safe?
The FDA found traces of the virus in some retail milk samples but confirmed that pasteurization deactivates the virus. Therefore, the FDA believes that the U.S. milk supply is currently safe,” Dr. Brito assured during the May 9 briefing.
Consuming raw or unpasteurized milk carries greater risks, as warned by Dr. Brito. It is crucial to refrain from consuming unpasteurized milk to prevent the spread of various diseases, including influenza.
Officials caution against touching surfaces that may be contaminated with raw milk or with the bodily fluids of potentially infected animals. In regions with bird flu activity, poultry and eggs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F. Additionally, properly cooking beef can prevent the transmission of infection.
“To date, the virus has not been found in beef,” stated Dr. Brito.
Is Everything Okay for Now?
While there is the possibility of the H5N1 virus evolving to transmit more easily to humans, Dr. Brito mentioned that this is currently speculative. The variant of the virus circulating among cattle is not efficient at causing disease in humans, although genetic shifts could potentially pose a threat.
If the virus were to infect humans, children may be at higher risk due to their interactions with animals. Dr. Tan emphasized the importance of caution, especially in settings where children are in close contact with animals or consume unpasteurized milk.
Some schools and families keep chickens and ducks as pets, raising concerns about potential exposure to infected birds. Dr. Tan mentioned that the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is prepared to handle significant infections in children if the H5N1 virus becomes a serious concern.
While no specific emergency protocols have been implemented yet, Dr. Brito assured that continuous monitoring of the situation is underway.