H5N1 Strain in Nevada Cattle Raises Mutation Concerns

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed a new strain of avian influenza, D1.1, in Nevada dairy cattle, marking the first detection of this strain in cows and raising concerns about further spread and mutation potential. This strain has been prevalent in North American wild birds and was previously linked to severe human infections, including one fatal case in Louisiana. The discovery comes amid a broader H5N1 outbreak that has already affected over 950 herds across 16 states with a different strain, B3.13. Despite the new findings, USDA maintains its current eradication strategy, although experts express concerns about containment due to the widespread presence of the virus in wild birds. Health officials assure that pasteurized milk remains safe for consumption, although caution is advised with raw milk. The evolving situation underscores the challenges in controlling avian influenza's spread between species and the potential for further human health implications.