CDC Finds, H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads Silently Among Veterinarians

livewell
February 14, 2025
Noah Bennett

A study released on Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aligns with two earlier, smaller studies. These highlighted bird flu infections in farmworkers who had not been diagnosed before. Additionally, in those studies, some infected workers recalled experiencing symptoms of H5N1 bird flu. None of the veterinarians in the new study reported remembering any symptoms.

CDC Details of the Bird Flu

Three dairy veterinarians, including one operated solely in states without reported bird flu outbreaks, recently had undetected bird flu infections. The study results came from antibody testing of 150 veterinarians across 46 U.S. states. Significantly, the findings did not completely surprise experts. They indicated that the virus might be spreading among cows and humans in more states than officially documented.

The outbreak of bird flu in cows was first reported last March. Officials have confirmed the virus in over 950 herds across 16 states. Moreover, experts have identified it in 68 individuals, 41 of whom had direct contact with infected cows.

According to Seema Lakdawala, a virologist at Emory University:

“We do not know the extent of this outbreak in the U.S. infections are happening that we’re missing.”

Further Statements Into H5N1 Bird Flu

The H5N1 virus study was published in the CDC’s flagship Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Further statements from the experts also came to light concerning the disease.

The study conducted at a veterinary conference last September included vets from 46 different states. Additionally, of the 150 dairy veterinarians enrolled in the study, 25 of them reported having worked with cows.

According to Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, the director of the Boston University Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases:

“It’s important for public health preparedness that we have this data.”

The authors of the study, led by researchers at the CDC had slightly different views about bird flu infections:

“These findings suggest the possible benefit of systematic surveillance for rapid identification of HPAI A(H5) virus in dairy cattle.”

Suggestions for Caution by Experts

The undetected spread of H5N1 bird flu can mutate into a more dangerous strain, causing severe consequences. According to the CDC, the risk to the general public is low at the moment. It is important to note that individuals with bird flu typically experience mild symptoms. These include pink eye, fever, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.

Significantly, officials continue to advise those in contact with sick or dead birds to take precautions. Some of these include wearing respiratory protection, eye protection, and gloves when handling poultry.

In The End

The widespread presence of H5N1 bird flu virus in wild birds, poultry, and various mammals, has increased exposure risks. The result of sporadic human infections could become more frequent due to contact with infected birds and animals. The CDC considers the current risk to the general public to be low. However, individuals with occupational or recreational exposure to infected birds or animals face a higher risk of the virus. The CDC recommends precautions and testing to control the spread.