Known as D1.1, a new version of H5N1 is circulating in wild birds countrywide and causing mass die-offs. It’s different than the one currently circulating in dairy cows and has caused only mild illness in humans and killed scores of domestic and wild cats. It is the latest surprise and reminder that his flu does not behave like a typical flu virus.
This new finding suggests more spillovers from wild birds into cattle are likely ahead of us.
Source: The Los Angeles Times, February 5, 2025. Link.
I can’t overemphasize what a big deal it is. . . We have no idea how widespread this version of the virus already is in cattle herds. Every time poultry flocks break [with virus] we’ll need to investigate cattle contacts [which are many] as well as wild bird and other poultry contacts.”
Image: The Food Institute