Scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), USA, have detected H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) in cattle and milk samples collected from two dairy farms in Texas. The study, which is currently available on the medRxiv preprint* server, highlights the need to develop effective interventions against H5N1 HPAIV to prevent pathogen spillover . Image Credit: McKenzie Kizer / Shutterstock Background *Important notice: medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses (HPAIV) have caused millions of deaths in wild birds and poultry across the world. Recently, these viruses have been identified in many animal species, with HPAIV H5N1 HA clade 2.3.
3.4b being the most predominant type in these spillover events. The U.
S. Department of Agriculture has recently detected H5N1 HPAIV infection in 172 cattle farms in 13 states. Four dairy farm and nine poultry farm workers have also been suspected to have these infections recently.
Considering the seriousness of the situation, the current study was designed to investigate the presence of novel respiratory viruses in two Texas dairy farms. Study design The study was conducted in two dairy farms in Texas, where H5N1 HPAIV infection was recently detected in cattle. The farm owners invited the sc.