Scientists warn of the increased dangers of a new bird flu strain

Dr. Juergen Richt emphasizes the critical need to control milk contamination in order to manage the outbreak effectively, highlighting that the bird flu virus primarily spreads through infected milk, not through typical respiratory means. Despite initial optimism for containment, the persistence of the virus suggests it is deeply entrenched in the industry's supply chain, indicating a challenging scenario for farmers and public health alike.

Gregory Gray warns that without a substantial vaccination program for cattle, controlling the outbreak of bird flu will be extremely difficult. The virus has already shown its capacity to infect over 600 herds across multiple states, which presents a considerable challenge for livestock management professionals. Furthermore, the ongoing circulation of the virus in both livestock and wild birds places those working with these animals at significant risk.

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