As Bird Flu (Avian Flu) continues to spread among US livestock, studies show that Americans have built up little to no immunity against the virus. These findings are unsurprising as the general public has had virtually no exposure the virus. Avian flu is genetically very different from the seasonal human flu. In very limited tested of dairy workers (less than 50 have been tested), 3 people have tested positive.
While Avian flu’s immediate threat of risk to most people is low, experts warn that the longer the virus circulates among animals, the more likely it will become more infectious in humans. The latest USDA report confirmed 6 additional outbreaks on dairy farms – 5 in Colorado and 1 in Iowa – bringing the total number of infected herds to 102.
Full Story: CIDRAP
