what we know about the worrying epidemic affecting American livestock

by time news

2024-05-08 16:37:23

DECRYPTION – This avian flu was detected in livestock on thirty-nine farms across nine states. “Le Figaro” takes stock of this epizootic and the risks for human health at this stage.

Six weeks after its appearance on a dairy cow farm in Texas (United States), scientists are beginning to understand how avian flu crossed the species barrier to spread widely among cattle, previously thought to be less susceptible to this virus. Known since 1996, H5N1 has been circulating with increased intensity for two years in wild birds, in poultry farms and even in certain mammals. Its circulation, detected in thirty-nine farms spread across nine American states, is worrying. Several questions still arise about this virus, which confirms its ability to strike where we least expect it.

  • How the virus was transmitted to cows ?

A recent analysis by the US Department of Agriculture reveals that the outbreak began in the United States several weeks before it was detected. The virus was apparently introduced in January into a single farm, before beginning its silent circulation through livestock transports within the country. « The first contamination…

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