H5N1 Avian Flu Outbreak Expands in US: Two Human Cases Reported, Raw Milk Warning Issued

Newaygo County, Michigan United States of America
CDC advises avoiding contact with wild birds, no travel restrictions imposed
H5N1 avian flu outbreak expands in US with two human cases reported
H5N1 outbreak affecting over two dozen farms across eight states, first documented instance of infection in dairy cows
Raw milk warning issued due to potential contamination risks
USDA and CDC reporting on H5N1 virus detection in dairy cattle and wild birds
H5N1 Avian Flu Outbreak Expands in US: Two Human Cases Reported, Raw Milk Warning Issued

In recent developments, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported on several fronts regarding the ongoing H5N1 avian flu outbreak in both birds and mammals. The virus has been detected in dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas, leading to two human cases of infection, one each in Texas and Colorado.

The USDA's Agricultural Research Service is currently assessing the potential to develop an H5N1 vaccine for cows as part of efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus. However, it remains unclear how long development might take due to ongoing questions about transmission between cattle and characteristics of infection in cows.

Meanwhile, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reported that wild migratory birds are still considered the original source of the virus. Instances of virus spread have been linked to cattle movements between herds, as well as from dairy herds back into poultry flocks through an unknown route.

The CDC advises avoiding direct contact with wild birds and reporting any sick or dead birds. No travel restrictions have been imposed due to the avian flu crisis, but seasonal flu vaccines can reduce the risk of illness from avian flu for those who are at higher risk.

In a separate development, health experts in Michigan are warning against consuming raw milk amid concerns over potential contamination risks. Raw milk is illegal to sell directly to consumers in most states, including Michigan. The absence of pasteurization leaves raw milk susceptible to carrying germs like campylobacter, cryptosporidium, E. coli, listeria, brucella, and salmonella.

The H5N1 outbreak is expanding in the US and affecting over two dozen farms across eight states. This marks the first documented instance of H5N1 infection in dairy cows and highlights a worrying trend of the virus moving from birds to a growing range of mammals. More than 40 new mammalian species have been affected, and more than 26 countries have reported infections in mammals during the current zoonotic wave compared to 10 countries prior to 2019.

The increased infections in birds create more opportunities for spillover events, where the virus jumps from a bird host to a mammal. The USDA suspects that the current transmission between dairy cows is occurring through contaminated milking equipment.

It's important to note that while these developments are concerning, officials continue to emphasize that there is minimal risk to the public from the latest iteration of bird flu. However, it's crucial for individuals and farmers alike to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the situation as it unfolds.


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Confidence

80%

Doubts
  • Is it confirmed that the human cases were directly infected from the contaminated milking equipment?
  • What is the exact timeline for developing an H5N1 vaccine for cows?

Sources

84%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Why Michigan health experts are warning against raw milk right now

ClickOnDetroit News Site Profile Cassidy Johncox Wednesday, 17 April 2024 15:06
  • Unique Points
    • Raw milk, or unpasteurized milk, is dangerous due to the absence of pasteurization which kills bacteria.
    • Unpasteurized milk can carry germs like campylobacter, cryptosporidium, E. coli, listeria, brucella, and salmonella.
    • Raw milk is illegal to sell directly to consumers in most states including Michigan.
    • People who consume raw milk from the same farm over a duration of time may not always be safe due to contamination risks.
  • Accuracy
    • Raw milk can carry germs like campylobacter, cryptosporidium, E. coli, listeria, brucella, and salmonella.
    • Bird flu has been reported in the US and can impact people through raw milk consumption as it can spread to cows.
  • Deception (30%)
    The author uses emotional manipulation by stating that raw milk is 'risky' and 'dangerous' without providing any context or evidence to support this claim. The author also uses sensationalism by implying that people who consume raw milk are putting themselves at risk of harmful illnesses, but does not provide any specific examples or data to back up this claim. The author also engages in selective reporting by only mentioning the potential risks of raw milk without discussing any potential benefits or context. The article does not disclose any sources.
    • Raw milk has not undergone a process called pasteurization... Unpasteurized milk and products made from it, like cheese, are considered a health risk.
    • Health experts, on the other hand, continue to emphasize how risky raw milk can be.
    • To help prevent any illnesses related to raw milk consumption, health experts urge people to buy pasteurized products instead.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

97%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Opinion: The next pandemic threat demands action now

CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Wednesday, 17 April 2024 19:20
  • Unique Points
    • H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected in Texas and Kansas dairy cattle.
    • Two human cases of H5N1 bird flu have been reported in the US, both involving contact with infected cattle.
    • Cows may be transmitting the flu virus directly among themselves as they are transported to different farms.
  • Accuracy
    • Governments should take immediate steps to guard against the uncontrolled spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus if it evolves to spread between people.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (90%)
    The article does not contain any formal logical fallacies. However, it does exhibit some inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to authority. The author uses strong language to emphasize the urgency of the situation, such as “Highly pathogenic avian influenza”, “growing evidence”, and “the next pandemic threat”. The author also appeals to authority by citing the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Global Health Security Index, and other experts. Additionally, there is an appeal to authority through quoting the White House's new Global Health Security Strategy.
    • The headlines are concerning: “Highly pathogenic avian influenza found in Texas, Kansas dairy cattle.”
    • Could this be how the next pandemic begins?
    • The US and other governments around the world need to take H5N1 seriously and demonstrate that we’ve learned the lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic that turned our lives upside-down for years.
    • According to the Global Health Security Index, there are significant gaps in countries’ pandemic preparedness capabilities.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

96%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

That second human bird flu illness brings stepped-up involvement by the CDC

Food Safety News Dan Flynn Wednesday, 17 April 2024 04:05
  • Unique Points
    • Avian flu has affected 85.8 million birds in 48 states since its first strike in a commercial poultry flock on U.S. soil in early 2022.
    • The CDC advises avoiding direct contact with wild birds and reporting any sick or dead birds.
    • No travel restrictions have been imposed due to the avian flu crisis.
    • Seasonal flu vaccines can reduce the risk of illness from avian flu.
    • The two human avian flu cases were many months apart and both recovered.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (80%)
    The article provides factual information about the second human case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu and the CDC's response. However, there are instances of selective reporting and emotional manipulation that lower the score. The author emphasizes that 'recently, the CDC has been using color cartoons to spread its message' without mentioning that this is a common public health communication strategy. Additionally, the author states 'The two human avian flu cases were many months apart' implying a sense of urgency and potential danger when there is no need for it.
    • The two human avian flu cases were many months apart
    • The CDC has been using color cartoons to spread its message
    • There are no changes associated with resistance to antiviral medications, and the virus is closely related to two existing candidate vaccine viruses. There is no sign of person-to-person spread of this virus at this time.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

USDA scientists weigh avian flu vaccine for cows; virus may be spreading from cattle to poultry

Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), University of Minnesota, Thursday, 18 April 2024 04:06
  • Unique Points
    • USDA’s Agricultural Research Service is assessing the potential to develop an H5N1 vaccine for cows.
    • Instances of virus spread have been linked to cattle movements between herds.
    • The virus has also spread from dairy herds back into poultry flocks through an unknown route.
    • Highly pathogenic avian flu has been confirmed in a commercial poultry facility in Newaygo County, Michigan.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

89%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

The H5N1 Outbreak Is Not a Test Run, It's a Warning Shot

MedPage Today Nahid Bhadelia, Thursday, 18 April 2024 04:09
  • Unique Points
    • The HPAI (H5N1) outbreak is expanding in the US, affecting over two dozen farms across eight states.
    • This marks the first documented instance of H5N1 infection in dairy cows, highlighting a worrying trend of the virus moving from birds to a growing range of mammals.
    • More than 40 new mammalian species have been affected, and more than 26 countries have reported infections in mammals during the current zoonotic wave compared to 10 countries prior to 2019.
    • The increased infections in birds create more opportunities for spillover events, where the virus jumps from a bird host to a mammal.
  • Accuracy
    • ]The HPAI (H5N1) outbreak is expanding in the US, affecting over two dozen farms across eight states.[
    • Despite the mildness of the Texas case, there are other reasons to prevent human infections.
  • Deception (70%)
    The article contains several instances of selective reporting and editorializing. The author focuses on the potential dangers of H5N1 virus infections in mammals and humans, while downplaying the fact that most reported cases have been in birds. This creates a sensationalized narrative that may manipulate readers' emotions and fears. Additionally, the author implies that human cases are imminent based on mutations found in viruses from infected animals, but fails to mention that these mutations have not yet resulted in efficient human-to-human transmission. The article also references a Science article without disclosing that it is a pre-print and has not been peer-reviewed.
    • This underscores the crucial role of implementing effective infection control measures during outbreaks to minimize the risk of spillover events.
    • More than 40 new mammalian species have been affected, and more than 26 countries have reported infections in mammals during the current zoonotic wave (2021-2024) compared to 10 countries prior to 2019.
    • The situation is raising concerns for several reasons: it's happening against a steady, worrisome background of viral evolution and it sets up the potential for increased exposure among humans as well as a possible impact on our food sources.
    • The affected individual reportedly had contact with infected cows and suffered conjunctivitis; he then isolated and was given antiviral treatment.
    • This dramatic increase in the number of susceptible mammalian hosts suggests the virus's ability to adapt to diverse physiologies, potentially paving the way for its eventual adaptation to humans.
    • The individual outbreaks have also been deadly, affecting large numbers of birds and animals. For example, last spring the virus killed over 5,000 sea lions on the coast of Peru, along with more than 100,000 birds.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article provides a detailed and informative account of the H5N1 outbreak in dairy herds across the U.S., its worrying trend of moving from birds to mammals, and the potential risks it poses to humans and food sources. It highlights the need for heightened infection control during outbreaks to minimize spillover events and emphasizes on better understanding of risks, transmission between species, natural history of infections in animals and humans. The article also calls for increased surveillance, testing among animals and humans with potential high-risk exposures within outbreak areas, expanded research into the evolving nature and presentation of H5N1 virus as well as the effectiveness of current medical countermeasures like vaccines. It suggests that now is the time to further invest in ensuring we have the capacity to scale up vaccines, diagnostics, and antiviral production. However, it does not present any specific fallacies but raises concerns about potential risks and emphasizes on proactive planning and global collaboration.
    • The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) (H5N1) in dairy herds across the U.S. appears to be expanding, with over two dozen farms being affected in eight states.
  • Bias (95%)
    The author expresses concern about the H5N1 virus and its potential to adapt to humans, highlighting recent outbreaks in mammals and the increased number of susceptible hosts. While there is no overt bias in the article, the tone could be perceived as sensationalist or alarmist by some readers.
    • Despite the mildness of the Texas case, there are also other reasons to prevent human infections.
      • ]The more animal species and more individual animal numbers (infection burden) the virus infects, the greater the opportunity it has to undergo mutations.[
        • This underscores the crucial role of implementing effective infection control measures during outbreaks to minimize the risk of spillover events.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication