Milk from cows infected with bird flu contains astronomical numbers of viral particles, which can survive for hours in splattered milk, new data shows. The act of milking is likely driving viral transmission among cows, other animals, and potentially humans.
Changes to milking procedures could help control outbreaks and prevent human infections. This route of spread is more favorable for public health compared to airborne transmission.
New findings indicate that cows can easily become infected with bird flu, with the virus potentially entering their mammary glands. The virus has been detected in dairy cows for the first time, suggesting a new transmission route.
Cells lining cows' milk glands have abundant receptors for H5N1 bird flu strain, proliferating in these glands. This highlights the mammary glands as the main target for viral replication, contrary to respiratory tract infections.
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