Quarantine Measures Implemented on Farms Across Multiple States Amid Bird Flu Concerns
As fears of rapidly spreading bird flu continue to rise, quarantine measures are being implemented on farms in several states across the country. Health officials in 18 states have imposed restrictions on imports of cattle from states where bird flu has been confirmed in dairy cows.
The concern for a potential human outbreak has escalated after a dairy farmer in Texas tested positive for bird flu. Experts are advising the public to avoid consuming rare meat and runny eggs while the outbreak in cattle is ongoing.
Severe infections in humans can lead to respiratory failure, brain inflammation, and multi-organ failure. Maryland and North Carolina are the latest states to enact limits on the movement of cows due to detections of bird flu.
While the risk to humans who eat beef is considered low, experts are warning about the virus potentially adapting to spread in humans. Recommendations to minimize the movement of cattle and ensure healthy cattle are moving have been issued by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
The spread of bird flu to cattle is a concern, with 28 farms across eight states reporting infections in cows. Some researchers suggest that contaminated water from birds may be a source of infection for cattle.
Pigs are also being closely monitored as they have similar lung receptors to humans, posing a potential risk for human transmission. Symptoms of bird flu in humans may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned state health officials to prepare for more human cases of bird flu, although the risk to the public is considered low. The World Health Organization estimates the fatality rate for the H5N1 strain of bird flu at 52 percent, with serious complications such as respiratory failure, brain inflammation, and multi-organ failure.
Experts are advising against consuming foods containing improperly cooked meat and eggs to reduce the risk of transmission of bird flu. Stay tuned to Matzav Blog for more updates on this developing situation.
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