Key Takeaways:

• New strain of bird flu, known as D1.1, detected in Nevada cattle.
• Second detection raises concerns about the spread of the virus from wild birds to livestock.
• At least 67 cases of bird flu infection reported in the U.S., primarily among those working closely with cattle.
• Experts stress the importance of ongoing testing and monitoring.
• Potential for pandemic-like scenarios, with precedence seen in past infections.

Dairy cattle in Nevada have recently been confirmed to carry a new and distinct strain of bird flu, known as D1.1, different from the version that has circulated in U.S. herds since last year, according to officials from the AP News. The report highlights the potential spillover of various forms of the virus, primarily Type A H5N1, from wild birds into cattle.

Experts have expressed that the occurrence of bird-to-cow transmission is raising concerns about infection management in both animal populations and the humans who interact with them. Richard Webby, an influenza specialist from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stated, “I always thought one bird-to-cow transmission was a very rare event. Seems that may not be the case.”

The first U.S. detection of this strain, previously known as B3.13, occurred in March 2023 and has since infected over 950 herds across 16 states. The newest strain was identified in milk samples collected for surveillance in December, with the USDA confirming its presence on Friday.

Prior concerns have been validated as health officials tie the D1.1 strain to serious incidents, including the first U.S. death from bird flu, a case linked to severe respiratory symptoms developed in a Louisiana patient after exposure to birds. Reports from British Columbia also highlight a prolonged hospitalization of a teen girl due to a poultry-related viral infection.

As indicated by the CDC, at least 67 individuals in the U.S. have contracted infections, mostly linked to contact with livestock. Agricultural authorities are expected to release genetic sequencing data of the new D1.1 strain soon. This information will be crucial in assessing whether the new case represents a recent transmission or if the virus has been subtly circulating for longer periods.

Michael Worobey, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona, emphasized the importance of rapid information dissemination regarding the virus, stating it possesses the potential to instigate a health crisis that could “make COVID seem like a walk in the park.” Such a situation underscores the necessity for vigilance in managing public health and safety, as well as the welfare of animals and agricultural businesses.

For further details, please refer to SFGate and similar reports on this emerging public health issue.