Cows in Nevada have been found infected with a new strain of H5N1 bird flu, different from those affecting other herds. This strain has previously caused severe illnesses, including the death of a Louisiana resident in January and serious complications for a Canadian teenager in November.
The infections were identified through milk testing on January 31, revealed the US Department of Agriculture. Whole genome sequencing confirmed the presence of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D1.1. In contrast, previous outbreaks in 957 herds across 16 states involved H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13.
This new genotype has been spreading among migratory birds in North America and has recently spilled over into mammals and poultry. Experts are increasingly concerned about the ongoing outbreak and the challenges in containing the virus as it continues to spread.
