The need to act before it is too late
28 March, 2024
The diagnosis of avian influenza H5N1 (2.3.4.4b) in cattle in the US, following similar cases in goats, marks a turning point in our understanding of the disease. Previously thought to be immune, herbivorous mammals are now displaying prominent clinical symptoms (fever, decreased milk production) and a concerning morbidity rate (~10%) in herds, primarily affecting mature cows.
The worrying signs have long been evident. Large-scale mink outbreaks and mass die-offs of marine mammals suggest the possibility of direct infection, not just from consuming infected wild birds. Furthermore, sequencing of the virus from infected cows doesn't reveal mutations typically associated with adaptation to mammals. This raises the question: could undiagnosed cases have already occurred? Serological surveys could be crucial here.
Additionally, policy questions emerge regarding the lack of culling for these infected herds. Perhaps this will prompt a shift away from the "anti-vaccine policy" mentality and towards controlled management strategies. The goal should be to reduce and ultimately control the AI virus before it becomes too late.
Nati Elkin
