There is a risk that the virus H5N1 bird flupresent in many wild birds, can infect cows in countries outside the United States as they migrate, a World Health Organization official said.
US officials are trying to verify the safety of milk and meat after confirming the H5N1 virus in 34 herds of dairy cattle in nine states since the end of March, and in one person in Texas.
With the virus carried around the world via migratory birds, there is certainly a risk of cows in other countries becoming infected,” Wenqing Zhang, head of the WHO Global Influenza Programme, said at a news conference in Geneva. .
The virus is widespread among wild birds in the United States and sometimes infects poultry and even outdoor cats, but until now it has been rare in cows.
Zhang reiterated that the U.N. agency considers the overall public health risk posed by the virus to be low, but urged vigilance, especially among agricultural workers.
While it is not believed that the virus can spread through milk, Zhang reiterated long-standing WHO advice to consume only pasteurized milk.
Asked to assess the United States' transparency about the outbreak so far, Zhang said the global body had received regular updates and praised the decision to share the virus's genetic sequence early.
“I believe that the collaboration with the US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the information we have received so far allows us to monitor the situation and update preparedness measures,” he said.
(With information from Reuters)
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