New bird flu variant detected in Nevada dairy cattle, raising concerns of endemic spread

The Nevada Department of Agriculture in the US has confirmed that six dairy herds in the state have tested positive for a new variant of the H5N1 bird flu virus. According to a report by CNN, this new variant identified as D1.1 was only known to infect birds and humans through exposure to infected birds. Contrary to this, the current circulating B3.13 in dairy herds all over the U.S.

This marks the first time D1.1 has been found in dairy cattle, indicating that the cows contracted the virus directly from wild birds rather than other infected livestock. This second known instance of bird flu jumping from wild birds to cattle suggests that the virus could be establishing itself in North American herds, raising concerns that it may become endemic.

Growing Concern Over Endemic Spread

Scientists caution that the discovery of D1.1 in dairy cattle could have significant implications for both animal and human health. According to Dr. Louise Moncla, a pathobiologist at the University of Pennsylvania, the presence of the virus in multiple herds suggests it may already be endemic.

“In my opinion, it is now endemic, and it should be classified as an endemic virus,” Moncla said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a brief update confirming the presence of D1.1 in Nevada dairy herds. This discovery hints at multiple spillover events from birds to cattle, which complicates containment efforts.

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Potential Risks to Human Health

While most reported cases of bird flu in dairy workers have resulted in mild symptoms, the D1.1 variant has been linked to more severe human infections. Two North American cases involving this strain led to critical illness: a Louisiana resident who contracted the virus from backyard poultry and later died, and a teenager in British Columbia who was hospitalized in critical condition.

Scientists are still investigating whether D1.1 is intrinsically more dangerous for humans or if external factors, such as the method of exposure, contribute to its severity.

What’s Next for Bird Flu Surveillance?

Exactly how long the D1.1 has been circulating in dairy cattle and whether it has spread beyond Nevada is yet unknown. Experts do, however, emphasize the need for increased surveillance, biosecurity, and more research into the potential impact on public health.

Since infection is continuously obtained from wild birds, researchers say H5N1 may persist as a threat to both livestock and humans and thus remains under constant surveillance with intervention.

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FAQs

1. How is the new bird flu variant different from previous strains?
- D1.1 is genetically different from the B3.13 strain that has been circulating in U.S. dairy cattle. This is the first time that D1.1 has been detected in cows, which would indicate direct transmission from wild birds rather than spread from cattle to cattle.

2. What are the risks to humans?
- While the majority of infections in dairy workers have been relatively mild, there have been more severe cases linked to the D1.1 strain, and some fatalities have been reported. Scientists are examining whether the virus itself is virulent or whether other factors influence its virulence.