Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds. However, certain strains of the virus can also infect humans and other animals, such as pigs. The virus is constantly evolving, leading to the emergence of new strains that pose a threat to both animal and human health.
In a recent episode of Scientific American’s Science Quickly series, reporter Rachel Feltman delved into the complex and interconnected world of bird flu, highlighting the various links in the chain from wild birds to domesticated animals and ultimately to humans. In part two of the three-part series, Meghan Bartels, a senior news reporter at Scientific American, took viewers on a journey to explore the role of poultry and dairy farms in the spread of bird flu.
At Cornell University’s Teaching Dairy Barn in central New York, Bartels met with Carolyn Kokko, the director of the barn, to learn about the daily operations of the facility. With about 200 cows actively lactating, the barn is a hub of milk production that requires meticulous care and attention. Each cow is milked three times a day for about 10 months straight, producing a significant amount of milk that enters the food supply chain.
However, the idyllic scene at the dairy barn was soon disrupted by the emergence of bird flu in the cattle population. In February 2024, dairy farmers in Texas began noticing sick cows with unusual symptoms, such as poor appetite and discolored milk. Veterinarians like Elisha Frye from the Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center were called in to investigate the mysterious disease. Through rapid genetic sequencing, scientists identified the culprit as H5N1, a subtype of avian influenza that had crossed over to dairy cattle.
The discovery of bird flu in dairy cows sent shockwaves through the scientific community, challenging preconceived notions about the virus’s transmission and impact on domesticated species. Wendy Puryear from Tufts University, who was interviewed in a previous episode, emphasized the unpredictability of bird flu and the need for continued surveillance and research to understand and combat the virus.
As the battle against bird flu continues, it becomes increasingly clear that the interconnected nature of our food production systems poses a significant risk for the spread of infectious diseases. By studying the links between wild birds, poultry farms, and dairy facilities, scientists can gain valuable insights into the dynamics of avian influenza and develop effective strategies to prevent future outbreaks. Through collaboration and innovation, we can work together to protect both animal and human health from the threat of bird flu. The recent outbreak of avian influenza has brought to light the long-standing presence of the H5N1 strain, which originated in China in the late 1990s. This strain has since mutated and spread globally with the help of migrating birds, eventually making its way into the United States. The first detection of the virus in wild birds occurred on December 30, 2021, and by February 7, 2022, it had infected a commercial chicken farm.
While previous outbreaks of bird flu in the U.S. have been devastating, poultry farmers have learned from past experiences and implemented strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks. These measures include keeping wild birds away from poultry, using personal protective gear, and promptly culling infected flocks to prevent the spread of the virus.
The psychological toll of having to depopulate an entire flock of birds is not to be underestimated, as farmers form bonds with their animals and rely on them for their livelihood. Despite these efforts, the current outbreak has resulted in the loss of over 174 million birds across commercial and backyard flocks in the U.S.
Unlike previous outbreaks that typically ended in the summer, the current strain of avian influenza has persisted for over three years, affecting both wild birds and poultry farms. This prolonged outbreak has forced the poultry industry to adapt and change its practices to prevent further spread of the virus.
The impact of bird flu has not been uniform across the poultry sector, with turkeys being particularly susceptible to the virus. The industry as a whole has had to adjust its production and management practices to mitigate the effects of the ongoing outbreak. As researchers and farmers continue to grapple with the challenges posed by avian influenza, it is clear that the virus has reshaped the way poultry is produced and managed in the United States. Avian influenza has been making headlines lately, with a focus on its impact on the chicken industry. However, this virus also affects other birds, such as egg-layers and dairy cows, albeit to a lesser extent. In a recent article by Jeffrey DelViscio for Scientific American, experts shed light on how avian influenza impacts these lesser-known industries.
The egg-layers and broilers industries are key players in the poultry sector. The layer industry produces the eggs we consume, while the broiler industry raises chickens for meat. According to Jada Thompson, an expert in the field, there are systemic differences between these two sectors that shape the impact of avian influenza. Broilers are raised for a short period, about six to nine weeks, making them more resistant to the virus. On the other hand, egg-layers start producing eggs at around six months old and stay in the system for a year or two, making them more vulnerable to the virus.
The economic impact of losing birds to avian influenza is greater in the egg-layers industry compared to the broilers industry. This is due to the longer production time of egg-layers, which results in a slower recovery process for farmers. As a result, egg prices rose dramatically as producers struggled to replace infected birds, leading to market fluctuations.
Moving beyond the poultry sector, avian influenza also made an unexpected jump into the dairy industry. Diego Diel, a virology expert at Cornell University, highlighted the surprise among dairy farmers when the virus was detected in dairy cows. The spillover of a typically avian virus into mammals is rare and unexpected, causing concern among experts.
The spread of avian influenza from wild birds to cows was traced back to an interaction between a sick wild bird and a dairy cow in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread within and between infected herds, affecting over 1,000 cows to date. The virus has also made sporadic jumps from wild birds to cows, highlighting the need for vigilance in monitoring and controlling the spread of the virus.
In conclusion, while chickens may dominate the headlines when it comes to avian influenza, other bird species and animals are also at risk. Understanding the unique challenges faced by different sectors of the poultry and dairy industries is crucial in effectively managing and mitigating the impact of avian influenza. The spread of bird flu among dairy cows has been a concerning development in the agricultural industry. Researchers believe that the dairy industry’s reliance on moving cows throughout the nation has potentially accelerated the spread of the virus, which is mostly invisible to people outside of the industry. Carolyn Kokko, the director of the Teaching Dairy Barn at Cornell, New York, explains that dairy farmers now know what to look for to identify bird flu in cows, such as a decrease in food intake and a decrease in milk production.
Researchers like Kokko and her colleague Bartels have been able to remotely monitor dairy farms for signs of bird flu. By tracking data such as the cows’ food intake and milk production, they were able to identify a sudden drop in these metrics, indicating the presence of the virus. Bird flu has been most commonly detected in herds across the western half of the U.S., with H5N1 in dairy cows reaching as close as Ohio.
One concerning development related to the dairy cow outbreak is the occurrence of sick cats. Early cases were linked to dairies where farm cats that drank raw milk became seriously ill. Since then, even pet cats owned by dairy workers and cats with no known exposure to the virus have fallen ill. Unlike cows, which typically recover from the virus, cats often show neurological symptoms and may even die as a result of the infection.
Researchers at Cornell’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center are actively monitoring the bird flu outbreak in cows by testing milk samples. Despite the presence of the virus in infected cows’ milk, heat-based pasteurization kills H5N1, ensuring that dairy products remain safe for consumption. However, the virus seems to affect lactating cows the most, with higher viral loads found in their milk compared to other samples.
When a farmer suspects their herd may have bird flu, they can keep sick cows separate and discard their milk. If there is no reason to suspect infection, farmers can send milk samples to labs for testing. Researchers at Cornell have built up testing capacity, acquiring machines that can process multiple samples at a time. This surveillance system allows for early detection of the virus and helps prevent its spread within herds and to dairy workers.
Overall, the dairy industry remains vigilant in monitoring for bird flu outbreaks and taking necessary precautions to protect both cows and consumers. Through ongoing surveillance and testing, researchers aim to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of dairy products. The goal of isolating DNA and RNA is crucial in testing for bird flu in milk samples. John Beeby, the lab manager at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center of Cornell University, explained the testing procedure which relies on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a process similar to the one used in COVID-19 tests. The process involves adding a tag that binds to genetic material from the virus, heating and cooling the sample to selectively duplicate the material, and using a fluorescent dye to detect the presence of the virus.
The entire process in the lab, from sample collection to result analysis, takes about four and a half hours. When bird flu is detected in a sample, it is sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for confirmation and sequencing of the virus’s genome. This information is valuable in understanding how the virus is evolving and its potential impact on human health.
Diego Diel, a scientist at Cornell University, emphasized the importance of monitoring the virus in dairy cows as continuous circulation can lead to mutations that make the virus more adapted to humans. This increases the risk of infection, severity of disease, and potential human-to-human transmission. While human cases of bird flu have been reported, they have mostly been mild and linked to farmworkers in contact with infected animals.
Nancy Cox, a leading expert on influenza, highlighted the unprecedented situation and the potential risk of a new pandemic strain emerging. Scientists are actively working on developing vaccines to protect against avian influenza and prevent it from becoming a global pandemic.
This article is part of a three-part series on H5N1 avian influenza, produced by Rachel Feltman and hosted by Meghan Bartels. It provides insight into the ongoing research and efforts to understand and combat the virus. Stay tuned for the final episode to learn more about the virologists working to prevent H5N1 from becoming a global health crisis.
“Science Quickly” is a production by Rachel Feltman, with contributions from Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Naeem Amarsy, and Jeff DelViscio. Special thanks to Cornell University and Scientific American for their support in producing this series. Subscribe to Scientific American for the latest science news and updates.
Additional reporting by Lauren J. Young.
For Scientific American, this is Rachel Feltman. Thank you for reading. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new advancements being made every day. One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans.
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Overall, online shopping has changed the way consumers shop and has made it easier than ever to access a wide range of products from around the world. While there are some drawbacks to consider, the convenience, variety, and price transparency offered by e-commerce platforms make online shopping a popular choice for many consumers. The ancient art of calligraphy has been practiced for centuries, with its roots tracing back to ancient China. It is a form of visual art that is expressed through the use of writing instruments such as brushes, pens, and ink. Calligraphy is not just about writing words, but about creating beautiful and intricate designs through the use of various styles and techniques.
One of the most popular styles of calligraphy is Chinese calligraphy, which is known for its graceful and flowing strokes. Chinese calligraphy is a highly respected and revered art form in Chinese culture, with calligraphers being held in high regard for their skill and mastery of the craft. The brush strokes in Chinese calligraphy are often compared to the movements of a dancer, with each stroke carefully planned and executed to create a harmonious and balanced composition.
Japanese calligraphy, also known as Shodo, is another popular form of calligraphy that has been practiced for centuries. Japanese calligraphy is characterized by its minimalist and elegant style, with calligraphers focusing on the beauty of each individual stroke. The use of different types of brushes and ink in Japanese calligraphy allows for a wide range of expression and creativity, with calligraphers often incorporating elements of nature and poetry into their work.
In the Western world, calligraphy has also gained popularity as a form of artistic expression. Western calligraphy encompasses a wide range of styles, from traditional scripts like Copperplate and Spencerian to more modern and experimental styles. Calligraphers in the West often use a variety of tools and materials, such as pointed pens, broad-edge pens, and markers, to create unique and innovative designs.
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Whether you are a seasoned calligrapher or a complete novice, there is something truly magical about the art of calligraphy. Its timeless beauty and elegance have captivated people for centuries, and its ability to convey emotion and meaning through the written word is truly unparalleled. So why not pick up a pen and some ink, and try your hand at this ancient art form? You may just discover a new passion and a whole new world of creativity waiting to be explored. The world is currently facing a crisis like never before, with the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc on economies, healthcare systems, and daily life. As countries around the globe struggle to contain the spread of the virus, it has become increasingly clear that the only way to combat this deadly disease is through widespread vaccination.
Vaccines have long been hailed as one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine, with the ability to prevent deadly diseases and save countless lives. However, the development and distribution of a vaccine for COVID-19 has proven to be a monumental challenge, with scientists racing against the clock to create a safe and effective vaccine in record time.
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As we look towards a future where COVID-19 is no longer a threat, it is clear that widespread vaccination is the key to ending the pandemic. By working together and prioritizing the equitable distribution of vaccines, we can protect the most vulnerable, restore normalcy to our daily lives, and ultimately defeat this deadly virus once and for all.
