A recent study has found that cows have human flu receptors

 

A recent study has found that cows have human flu receptors, raising concerns about the potential for a bird flu outbreak in dairy cattle. The study, published as a preprint, discovered that cows have the same receptors for flu viruses as humans and birds, which could potentially allow the virus to mutate and become more contagious to humans.

The discovery was made after an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in dairy cattle in the United States, which has infected 42 herds in nine states. While the risk to public health is currently low, the outbreak has raised concerns about the potential for the virus to spread to humans.

Researchers found that cows have both human and bird-type sialic acid receptors, which are the key to how flu viruses infect cells. This means that cows could potentially be infected with both bird and human flu viruses, which could lead to a mutation that makes the virus more contagious to humans.

The study's findings have implications for the dairy industry, as milk and dairy products are a significant agricultural commodity. The outbreak has already caused concerns about the safety of milk and dairy products, although the FDA has found that pasteurized milk is not infectious and cannot make anyone sick.

The study's authors note that the potential for a pandemic is still low, but the discovery highlights the need for continued monitoring and research into the spread of flu viruses. The World Health Organization has also expressed concern about the outbreak and is working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.

The discovery of human flu receptors in cows is a significant finding, as it could potentially lead to a mutation that makes the virus more contagious to humans. While the risk is currently low, the outbreak highlights the need for continued vigilance and research into the spread of flu viruses.