Bird flu may infect cows in Europe. German scientists warn about the epidemic – reports Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR). The alert is based on the results of an experiment conducted by scientists from the Friedrich Löffler Institute.
The island experiment
In isolated conditions on the Baltic Sea island of Riems, a few weeks ago, researchers intentionally infected a group of cows with the H5N1 virus strain found in Germany (but also in other EU countries, including Poland). The infected herd was subjected to detailed observation, which gave very disturbing results. It turned out that the variant of the bird flu virus circulating in Germany can also infect cows.
Dairy cows subjected to the experiment showed clear disease symptoms after infection. The changes included a significant decrease in milk quantity, change in milk consistency and fever, said the spokeswoman of the Löffler Institute. However, the institute maintains its earlier assessment that the risk of an outbreak in Germany is low because cows only become infected when the virus comes into direct contact with their udders.
Virologist's concerns
Many scientists, however, have greater concerns. The alarm is raised, for example, by Christian Drosten, a world-famous virologist from the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin, an advisor to the government during the pandemic, who was one of the co-discoverers of the SARS-CoV virus. Drosten believes bird flu could lead to another global health crisis.
He pointed out that H5N1 virus pathogens have already appeared in dairy products available on the market, which had not happened before. According to Drosten, all experts are concerned about the extreme outbreaks of the disease in cows in the US, but also about the transmission of the virus to other mammals. The virus still needs some mutations to become truly dangerous – also for humans. Therefore, you should do everything to overtake him and get him under control earlier.
Ready for an epidemic
Drosten calls for more research to better assess the situation and risks. However, the virologist calls for decisive countermeasures and preparation for an epidemic. He believes that it is necessary to introduce forced quarantine of infected herds, contact tracing, possible isolation of farm animals, vaccination of animals and, above all, biosecurity on farms. It also appeals to farmers to observe their cattle and report any disturbing symptoms.
In the US, cases of avian influenza virus in cattle have already been detected in several states. Scientists believe the causes of infections are contaminated milking and animal transport tools. Cases of bird flu in humans have been reported in the USA, Mexico and Australia.
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