Bird flu hits 118 dairy herds in 12 states, raising concerns of wider human risk – WRGB

According to the most recent update from the CDC and USDA, bird flu has now impacted more than 115 herds of dairy cows in 12 states.

Those infected included 20 million different species in the U.S., 12 states and 118 dairy cow herds. Right now, it feels like bird flu is everywhere, and it might be worse than you think.

"We know that thats likely an undercount. Theres probably other states and other herds just as we talk about the bovine species being infected," said NYC Hospital System infectious disease epidemiologist Dr. Syra Mada.

What makes the spread of the H5N1 virus unique here in the U.S. is the way it's infecting dairy cattle. Dr. Madad says that usually doesn't happen. "And whats also so concerning is that dairy cattle brings it also closer to humans," she said. That's because people are in constant interaction with dairy cattle in the States because of U.S. food production.

Now the USDA has put restrictions on cattle movements. But Dr. Madad says we also need to be doing more testing across the country because we still don't know how exactly the virus is being transferred. She also says there needs to be more federal support to urge people to get themselves and their animals tested and offer support if they're positive.

At this point, three people have contracted bird flu in the United States. None have been here in New York. But public health officials in New York are working to prevent the potential for this happening. "There have been humans that have been potentially exposed, whether its backyard poultry or its captive birds and the like. but luckily there hasnt been any confirmed human cases, and we hope to keep it that way. New York is certainly working with various public health authorities to ensure that we have a good infrastructure in place across the nation," said Dr. Madad.

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Bird flu hits 118 dairy herds in 12 states, raising concerns of wider human risk - WRGB