Scientists have identified a second form of bird flu in Nevada dairy cows.
On Jan. 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D1.1 in dairy cattle. The detection resulted from silo testing, tracing and investigation.
The D.1.1 genotype represents the predominant strain found in North American flyways, identified in wild birds, mammals and domestic poultry. The USDA news release said this was the first time it has been found in dairy cattle in the U.S.
The New York Times reported that the finding indicates the virus has spilled over from bird populations into cows at least twice, and that it could continue to do so. The original strain detected in cows, B3.13, has infected more than 950 herds in 16 states. More than 300 million birds have died from H5N1 worldwide.
One person has died from the virus, a Louisiana man over the age of 65 in January. A further 67 Americans have been infected.
USDA said this does not change their HPAI eradication strategy.
