Potential Hosts for Human and Bird Flu Viruses

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that cattle could harbour human and bird flu viruses, raising alarms about cross-species transmission and the potential for novel influenza strains.

Key Points

Cattle as Hosts: A study reveals that cattle may serve as hosts for both human and bird flu viruses.
Presence of Influenza A Receptors: Researchers discover three types of influenza A receptors in cattle, similar to those found in humans, chickens, and ducks, challenging the belief that cattle are immune to influenza A viruses.
Susceptibility in Mammary Glands: Abundance of influenza receptors, especially the duck variant, in cattle mammary glands suggests a pathway for bird flu transmission to cows, potentially through contaminated milking equipment or bloodstream infiltration.
Concerns about Milk Safety: The presence of bird flu in grocery store milk raises concerns about the safety of dairy products, prompting questions about the efficacy of pasteurization in preventing viral transmission.
Role of Pasteurization: Health experts emphasize the importance of pasteurization in inactivating viruses, including influenza, making pasteurized milk safe for consumption.
Risks of Raw Milk: While raw milk is popular for its perceived health benefits, it carries risks of transmitting infectious diseases, prompting caution from health authorities against its consumption.
Need for Vigilance: Despite minimal evidence of human infection through milk consumption, ongoing surveillance and research are crucial to monitor influenza viruses in livestock and mitigate potential public health risks.