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Cows infected with bird flu: new risks for agriculture?
Current study shows: The bird flu virus H5N1 can now also infect cows! Discovered at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute in Germany. Experts warn of possible danger to people.
Cows infected with bird flu: new risks for agriculture?
H5N1 virus: new danger for German agriculture?
An alarming report from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) on the island of Riems near Greifswald suggests that the H5N1 bird flu virus can now also infect cows. This finding has far-reaching effects on agriculture in Germany.
The FLI's investigations revealed that the cows were infected with the pathogen from a wild bird via their teats. The animals showed clear symptoms of illness such as a sharp decline in milk production, changes in milk consistency and fever. This development raises questions about the safety of dairy products and animal health.
Possible consequences for agriculture
Experts warn about the potential economic impact that the H5N1 virus could have if it spread among cows. Farmers must now take additional measures to protect their stocks and contain the spread of the virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) currently rates the risk of the virus being transmitted to humans as low. Nevertheless, increased vigilance is required in order to detect and combat possible infections at an early stage.
Recommendations from the FLI
Despite the discovery of the infected cows, the FLI's risk assessment remains unchanged. The institute continues to consider the risk of the H5N1 virus entering German cattle herds to be very low. Nevertheless, increased attention and caution were recommended to prevent possible spread.
The FLI has already examined several samples from cows from particularly affected regions in Germany, but without any evidence of the virus. Further investigations are planned to further monitor the situation and take preventative measures.
The new possibility of infecting cows with the H5N1 virus poses new challenges for agriculture. It remains to be seen how authorities and farmers will deal with this threat and what measures will be taken to protect human and animal health.