Experts are raising concerns about the spread of bird flu among dairy cattle in several U.S. states and are urging Canada to increase its surveillance to prevent the virus from spreading. The virus, known as H5N1, was recently detected in cows in the U.S. after previously being thought to have a very low risk of jumping to cattle. This development has led to calls for systematic surveillance of cattle in Canada to prevent a similar situation from occurring. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that cattle workers wear protective gear following the first known mammal-to-human transmission of the virus in a worker in Texas.
While traces of the virus have been found in grocery store milk in the U.S., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stresses that the material is inactivated and does not pose a risk to consumers. However, officials continue to study the issue closely. The World Health Organization has expressed concerns about the virus potentially transferring to humans, particularly given the close contact between humans and cattle. Experts emphasize the importance of proactive surveillance and preparedness to prevent the virus from spreading further.
Canada has not yet detected the bird flu virus in its livestock, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is closely monitoring the situation. However, experts warn that pandemics are more likely to occur when humans are in close contact with animals infected with a virus that can jump between species. As such, it is essential to take preventive measures to ensure that the virus does not spread to Canadian livestock. The urgency to address this issue has increased following the detection of the virus in cows in the U.S.
There are still unanswered questions about the virus, including its potential impact on food products like raw steak, runny eggs, or cheese made from raw milk. While there have been no reports of the virus in beef cattle, experts recommend testing products that are consumed regularly to ensure their safety. Additionally, Canadians are advised to be vigilant of wild birds that appear sick or dead and to keep pets and children away from them. It is crucial to plan for the worst-case scenario and ensure that treatments, such as ramping up flu vaccine production, are readily available.
Experts emphasize the importance of being proactive and prepared for the potential spread of the virus. It is crucial for Canada to conduct systematic surveillance of its cattle to prevent the virus from entering the country and spreading among livestock. The recent developments in the U.S. serve as a reminder of the need to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect both human and animal health.Overall, there is a need for increased surveillance and preparedness to address the threat of bird flu and prevent its spread in Canada.
