The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the H5N1 bird flu virus, which is present in many wild birds, may pose a risk of infecting cows in countries beyond the United States as the birds migrate.
Wenqing Zhang, the head of the WHO’s Global Influenza Programme, stated at a news briefing in Geneva that “with the virus carried around the world by migratory birds, certainly there is a risk for cows in other countries to be getting infected.”
This warning comes after U.S. officials confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus in 34 dairy cattle herds in nine states since late March, as well as in one person in Texas. While the virus is widespread among wild birds in the United States and has sometimes infected poultry and even outdoor cats, it has been rare in cows until now.
The WHO reiterated that the overall public health risk posed by the virus is deemed to be low, but urged vigilance, especially among farm workers. While the virus is not thought to be able to spread through milk, the WHO repeated its longstanding advice to only consume pasteurized milk.
Regarding the U.S. response to the outbreak, Zhang praised the country’s collaboration with the WHO and the decision to share the virus’ genetic sequence early, which has enabled the global body to monitor the situation and update preparedness measures accordingly.
The appearance of the H5N1 virus in cows in the United States has raised concerns about the potential for the virus to spread beyond the country’s borders, as migratory birds can carry the virus to other regions. The WHO’s warning underscores the need for increased surveillance and preparedness measures in countries around the world to prevent the potential spread of the virus to their own cattle populations.