Uncovering The Risks And Realities Of The H5N1 Bird Flu Strain In Utah

In Texas the H5N1 bird flu strain has been found in cattle and one person. With our agricultural focus does Utah need to be concerned?

The recent spread of avian influenza in U.S. dairy cattle has raised concerns among Utah scientists familiar with the global outbreak of the virus. The H5N1 bird flu strain, which initially affected wild migratory birds in late 2021 before spreading to poultry farms, has now been detected in dairy cows and one person who had close contact with them in Texas. It has also been found in Michigan, Kansas and New Mexico, and quite possibly has spread to border states like Utah.

While the outbreak has affected various wild bird species and persisted longer than previous ones, federal officials and scientists emphasize that the risk to the public remains low including in Utah. Genetic sequencing of the virus from infected cattle hasn't shown significant changes that would indicate increased danger. The one human case appears consistent with typical transmission from sick animals.

Human-to-human spread of bird flu, including this strain of H5N1, is rare, with only a few documented cases globally. Severity varies, with some cases leading to severe illness but typically stemming from direct exposure to infected birds, especially in markets or on farms. Strains of bird flu have been detected in Utah in 2023, but it was not the H5N1 virus.

Although cows in Utah may be spreading the virus among themselves, it's not proving fatal, and the commercial milk supply remains unaffected. Sustained mammal-to-mammal transmission could lead to problematic mutations, but currently, it's unclear how the virus is spreading among mammals.

Tapping existing bird flu vaccines could be adapted if needed. However, the chances of statewide vaccination remain low for now, with experts suggesting a cautious approach unless evidence of significant human-to-human transmission emerges.