Tag Archives: influenza

Versatile Antiviral Drug Effective Against Colds, Norovirus, Influenza, and Coronavirus

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Enzymes are crucial for viral RNA replication, presenting new targets for antiviral therapy.

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Recent laboratory studies indicate a groundbreaking drug that effectively inhibits various common viruses, including coronaviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), norovirus, influenza, and hepatitis viruses. Upcoming clinical trials are set to start next year, fostering optimism that this drug may soon be available for at-home use, alleviating symptoms and mitigating future viral pandemics.

According to Daniel Haders, co-founder of Model Medicines in California, “This is the first drug demonstrated to exhibit activity across such a diverse range of virus families.” If approved, this drug could offer a convenient solution for individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms without a clear diagnosis between flu, COVID-19, RSV, and more.

This antiviral was originally designated as a breast cancer treatment named ERA-923 and was shelved in the early 2000s due to limited profitability. However, leveraging an AI drug discovery platform, Haders and his team have identified this previously overlooked drug as a potential inhibitor for multiple viruses through an independent mechanism.

The AI platform was aimed at discovering drugs capable of obstructing RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, an enzyme crucial for viral genome replication. Upon determining that this mechanism is conserved across many viruses, researchers searched for drugs binding to specific sites—namely, the Thumb-1 domain. “Our goal was to pinpoint biological choke points where one drug could target multiple diseases,” states Haders.

By analyzing past research and patents, the AI highlighted ERA-923 as a viable candidate for binding to the Thumb-1 domain, effectively curbing viral replication. “Similar to how OpenAI and Anthropic have curated digital knowledge, we synthesized a comprehensive understanding across chemistry, biology, and clinical pharmacology,” Haders asserts, noting that the AI tools of today greatly enhance predictive accuracy.

To validate AI predictions, researchers assessed the drug’s effectiveness, now named MDL-001, against a spectrum of viruses in laboratory-infected cells. Results confirmed its efficacy against influenza A and B, several coronaviruses linked to common colds and COVID-19, RSV, norovirus, and liver-impacting hepatitis B, C, and D.

MDL-001 also demonstrated beneficial effects in treating COVID-19 in murine models, lowering viral levels in the lungs and alleviating weight loss associated with the disease. Haders intends to present these results at the upcoming European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases General Meeting in mid-April, Munich, Germany.

However, skepticism arises from researchers like Peter White of the University of New South Wales, noting that other drugs targeting only the Thumb-1 domain haven’t been universally effective. Contrarily, Model Medicines maintains that MDL-001 employs unique docking mechanisms to combat various viruses. Daniel Rawle from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute concurs, stating, “Many effective in vitro antiviral drugs fail in vivo.”

Model Medicines is organizing clinical trials for MDL-001, anticipated to start early next year, focusing first on assessing the drug’s safety. Previous trials in patients with breast cancer have affirmed its minimal side effects.

The burden of viral infections significantly impacts overall health and productivity, often forcing individuals to take sick leave. However, with rapid at-home treatment options like MDL-001, the landscape of self-managed antiviral care could change, particularly during future outbreaks of coronaviruses and influenza, Haders emphasizes.

Topics:

  • Virus/
  • Infectious Disease

Source: www.newscientist.com

Nasal Drops: A Potential Solution for Preventing All Strains of Influenza

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Nasal Sprays Target the Main Entry Point of the Influenza Virus

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Recent research highlights a novel antibody nasal spray that showed promise in early trials with mice, monkeys, and humans for preventing influenza infections. This spray can neutralize various strains of influenza viruses, including those transmitted from animals, potentially aiding in the fight against future pandemics.

The primary method of combating the spread of influenza remains the annual vaccine, designed to stimulate the immune system to produce targeted antibodies against circulating virus strains. However, due to the constant mutations of influenza viruses, vaccines can only offer limited protection.

To enhance vaccine efficacy, pharmaceutical innovator Johnson & Johnson has developed a groundbreaking antibody, CR9114, capable of neutralizing diverse influenza strains. This antibody recognizes and binds to invariant components of the virus, allowing for consistent defense against mutations.

Initially, CR9114 was injected into animals, but it didn’t provide adequate protection due to insufficient concentrations reaching the nasal cavity—the virus’s primary point of entry. In 2022, the Leiden Institute licensed CR9114, creating a formulation suitable for nasal administration.

Subsequent studies demonstrated that administering CR9114 via nasal spray to mice and macaque monkeys shielded them from various influenza A and B strains, including one isolated during the 1933 flu outbreak.

In addition, preliminary tests involving 143 individuals aged 18 to 55 revealed that using the nasal spray twice daily maintained steady antibody levels in their nasal passages, showing no significant side effects. Mucus samples collected afterward successfully neutralized different strains of influenza, including the avian flu strain that affected humans in China in 2013.

The next phase of research will expose nasal spray users to live influenza viruses to determine its actual effectiveness in preventing illness.

While nasal sprays may not guarantee 100% effectiveness against all entry routes of the virus, they remain a crucial defense mechanism against influenza. According to Linda Wakim from the University of Melbourne, “Even if you block entry through the nose, you’ll still be eliminating the virus at its main access point for infection.”

Wakim also notes that while the nasal spray may require more frequent dosing than a standard flu shot, it could significantly benefit high-risk populations, such as immunocompromised individuals and frontline health workers, especially during pandemics when rapid public health responses are essential.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The U.S. Conquered Avian Influenza in 2025, Yet the Battle Continues

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Millions of chickens culled due to threat of bird flu

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This year, the United States has seen its first reported death from bird flu, stirring apprehension regarding the possibility of a human pandemic. Although the virus’s spread has been contained sufficiently to conclude the emergency measures, health experts caution that vigilance remains crucial.

“The pandemic persists,” stated Megan Davis from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. “The virus’s lethality hasn’t diminished.”

The predominant strain causing human infections is a subtype of avian influenza named H5N1, which was first detected in poultry in China back in 1996. After a resurgence in 2021, it wreaked havoc on bird populations worldwide and infected various mammals, including foxes, seals, and cats.

H5N1 is not well-equipped to infect humans and has not shown transmission capability between humans. However, it remains a grave concern; nearly half of the approximately 1,000 recorded global infections have ended in death since 2003. These fatalities are likely concentrated in severe cases, with many milder instances undocumented. Nonetheless, potential risks remain for the human population, especially if the virus adapts to enable human-to-human transmission, Davis emphasized.

Health experts expressed concern when H5N1 was identified among dairy cows in the U.S. in March 2024—the first confirmed case in this type of livestock. This not only placed the virus closer to human populations, particularly farm workers, but it also provided a prime opportunity for the virus to evolve and spread among humans. Each time it infects a new mammal, the pathogen stands to acquire mutations that could facilitate human transmission, according to Davis.

Since that time, H5N1 has been found in 1,080 herds across 19 states while monitoring a chicken farm. From February to mid-December 2022, around 1,950 birds were reported sick across the U.S., prompting the culling of nearly 200 million birds.

Subsequent outbreaks on farms triggered a significant uptick in human cases. As of December 2025, 71 individuals had tested positive for avian influenza in the United States; all knew of their infections through close contact with infected livestock or poultry. Out of these, three were infected by different animal sources, and although the cause for the remaining three cases remains unknown, there is no evidence suggesting they were transmitted from other humans.

Most affected individuals exhibited mild symptoms, such as conjunctivitis, and recovered fully. However, one person with pre-existing health conditions succumbed to the H5N1 virus in Louisiana, marking the first recorded bird flu-related death in the nation.

Since that incident, the United States has largely managed to curb the virus’s spread. The most recent positive testing for H5N1 occurred in February, according to Emily Hilliard, a representative for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. However, a man in Washington state later tested positive and died from a different strain of avian influenza, H5N5, after contact with infected birds in November .

“Somewhat reassuringly, retrospective analyses of fatal H5N5 instances have not indicated further human cases, although the potential for H5 viruses to incite a pandemic continues to loom, particularly given their capacity to affect mammals, including humans, and mammals’ potential for reciprocal transmission,” Davis pointed out. The CDC is actively monitoring the situation and asserts the threat to public health is currently low.

Cases of H5N1 in dairy cows have also significantly dwindled, with reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) citing only two flocks testing positive between November and mid-December.

These reductions ultimately led the CDC to conclude its emergency response to bird flu in early July, stated Hilliard. This response, which commenced in April 2024, enabled the agency to allocate additional resources and staff toward surveillance and containment efforts, she explained.

Several factors may have contributed to the decrease in cases. Notably, the Department of Agriculture implemented the National Milk Testing Strategy in December 2024, mandating dairy facilities to furnish raw milk samples for H5N1 testing. “Testing is central to any management program,” asserted Davis. “Without knowledge regarding its location, [H5N1] it would be impossible to enforce enhanced protective measures or request that farms enact quarantines.”

In February, USDA rolled out a $1 billion initiative aimed at reducing H5N1 occurrences within poultry farms, with increased funding earmarked for vaccine research and biosecurity protocols. One focus was to bolster defenses against wildlife. “The vast majority of [bird flu] outbreaks in poultry and livestock have been linked to contact with infected wild birds,” noted a USDA spokesperson. By curbing H5N1 spread on farms, according to Davis, the fact that most infections affect dairy workers likely contributed to lowering human transmission as well.

However, seasonal fluctuations could also play a role. “We experienced a drop during summer but subsequently witnessed a surge in cases during fall and winter,” remarked Davis. “Currently observing the migratory season, we are likely to see an increment in cases.”

This may account for the more than 200,000 increase in H5N1 detections among backyard and commercial poultry flocks, as migratory birds are known to spread the virus to farms during their seasonal flights, representing a rise of 130 percent between September and October. “What we haven’t seen is a considerable number of human cases,” Davis clarified. However, she added that it remains uncertain whether this is attributed to improved safety protocols or diminished monitoring of farm workers.

“It’s encouraging to observe the decline in cases,” stated Davis. “Nevertheless, we still have work to accomplish.”

Topics:

  • bird flu/
  • 2025 News Review

Source: www.newscientist.com

Antibody Cocktails Could Serve as a Universal Treatment for Influenza

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Illustration of an antibody targeting influenza virus particles

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Antibody cocktails may provide innovative strategies to tackle emerging strains that lead to seasonal flu and pandemics. While effective in shielding mice from a variety of influenza strains, these cocktails have yet to undergo testing in humans.

Conventional treatments and vaccines for influenza typically aim to stimulate the production of proteins known as neutralizing antibodies. These antibodies attach to specific virus strains and prevent the infection of cells. Though such medical strategies can be quite effective, they often require months for development and may become ineffective due to viral mutations. This explains the seasonal updates to influenza vaccines and the ongoing efforts for a universal vaccine that could guard against all flu variants or even a broader range of viruses.

Silke Paust at The Jackson Institute in Farmington, Connecticut, alongside her team, is exploring an alternative route. Their focus is on non-neutralizing antibodies—another type of protein that the immune system produces. Although these proteins have been largely overlooked for infection control, they empower the immune system to eliminate the virus by marking infected lung cells.

“We’re not just a vaccination; we aim to treat them. Our goal is to develop medications that can avert severe illness and fatalities, either as a preventive measure or therapeutically after infection,” Paust explains.

Paust and her research team investigated antibodies that target influenza virus proteins in a specific region termed M2E.

The researchers carried out a series of experiments assessing the efficacy of antibodies, both singularly and in combinations, on mice infected with the flu virus, discovering that a combination of three antibodies yielded the most promising results.

They evaluated antibody cocktails on mice exposed to two H1N1 strains, including the ones responsible for the 2009 swine flu pandemic. Currently circulating H1N1 alongside two avian strains: H5N1, which affects wildlife and livestock worldwide, and H7N9, which poses a significant threat to humans and other animals.

The findings indicated that the antibody cocktails diminished the severity of lung disease and reduced viral loads, leading to improved survival rates in both healthy and immunocompromised mice.

For instance, when treated with antibody cocktails within the first three days post-exposure to H7N9, all mice survived; 70% of those treated on day four survived, and 60% did on day five.

Paust highlighted this as a groundbreaking moment, noting it marked the first instance of widespread influenza protection in living subjects. The cocktail also proved effective when administered before infection, suggesting potential preventative uses.

Even after 24 days of treatment, there were no indicators of the virus mutating to develop resistance. “For the virus to evade treatment, it would need to avoid all three antibodies, which bind in different ways,” Paust states.

“This demonstrates the potential for using antibody cocktails to treat individuals during flu pandemics, in conjunction with vaccines,” says Daniel Davis from Imperial College London. “However, further testing in humans is crucial before considering this a true medical advancement.”

Paust’s next step involves modifying the antibodies aimed at M2E to resemble human proteins. This has been done with numerous antibodies in the past. If successful, the process will proceed to safety and efficacy evaluations.

Paust envisions a future where these antibody cocktails could be stockpiled as drugs to tackle seasonal flu outbreaks. “Ideally, this would be administered to high-risk individuals at the onset of the season,” she concludes. “This would ensure they remain relatively healthy.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

One Antiviral Shot Offers Superior Protection Compared to Influenza Vaccines

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Influenza virus particles observed through an electron microscope, color enhanced

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A promising long-term antiviral medication may offer protection against all strains of influenza, providing hope for the most vulnerable populations.

The flu results in the loss of thousands of lives annually, and the swift emergence of new variants poses a risk for future pandemics. Each year, scientists reformulate flu vaccines to correspond with the strains that are projected to be prevalent in the upcoming season. These vaccines prompt the immune system to generate antibodies that block the virus from infiltrating the cells.

Efforts are underway to develop a universal influenza vaccine capable of safeguarding individuals from all strains, yet these vaccines face challenges.

“Even if the first approved universal influenza vaccine is created, individuals exhibit varying immune responses, meaning not everyone will be effectively protected,” says Jeffrey Stein, CEO of Cidara. For instance, vaccines often show reduced efficacy in older adults or in those with compromised immune systems.

To tackle this issue, Stein and his team have developed a treatment known as CD388, which includes Zanamivir, an antiviral drug authorized for treating infections caused by all influenza variants that affect humans. Normally, Zanamivir is eliminated from the body within hours, but the research team has modified it to rapidly neutralize the invasive influenza virus. “It’s not part of the immune system,” Stein explains.

For testing, the team enrolled 5,000 participants aged 16-64 from the US and the UK at the beginning of the 2024 flu season. None of the participants were at elevated risk for flu-related complications or had received that year’s flu vaccine. They divided the participants into four approximately equal groups. Three groups received one injection of CD388 at low, moderate, or high doses, while the final group received a placebo.

About six months later, researchers assessed the number of individuals with symptomatic flu infections during the flu season, defined by the presence of influenza virus DNA in nasal swabs and flu-like symptoms such as cough and fever.

Thirty-three individuals in the placebo group reported symptomatic flu, whereas only eight participants in the high-dose CD388 group did, marking a risk reduction of around 76%. The moderate and low-dose groups saw a 61% and 58% decrease in risk of symptomatic infections, respectively. “All doses demonstrated significant protection against influenza illness,” states Nicole Dhabapana, Chief Medical Officer of Sidara. Side effects, such as injection site tenderness, were consistent across both the treatment and placebo groups.

The results indicate that CD388 may offer a more straightforward means of protecting individuals compared to vaccines. “[Unlike vaccines, it] does not need to match the circulating strain, and could be more effective during a ‘poor match’ year or for pandemic preparedness, especially if new flu strains, such as H5N1, transmit to humans,” remarks Pennyword from King’s College London. She adds that, based on previous data on Zanamivir, it is unlikely that influenza strains will develop resistance to it.

This approach is likely to be effective for older individuals and those known to have poor vaccination responses, including the immunocompromised. Davalpana mentions that the team plans to conduct tests on individuals aged 12 and older with compromised immune systems.

Instead of replacing vaccines, Stein suggests that the drug may work best in conjunction with them, although this has yet to be tested. Nevertheless, the findings are timely given the growing hesitance surrounding vaccinations. “We aim to bypass the controversy that unfortunately surrounds vaccines,” Stein remarks.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Can avian influenza be spread by cows?

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Avian influenza has been a problem for poultry for over a century, causing deaths in various birds like chickens, ducks, and geese. It is caused by a type of influenza virus similar to the one affecting humans, with four different variants. The most dangerous variant, type A, has the potential to infect humans and lead to a widespread influenza outbreak due to its high transmissibility.

In February 2024, a team of researchers working alongside the CDC received reports of unusual symptoms in dairy cows. These cows displayed decreased appetite, reduced milk production, and thick, yellowish milk. Symptoms peaked between 4 and 6 days after infection and subsided within 10 to 14 days, allowing the cows to gradually resume their normal milk production.

By March 2024, similar health issues were reported in dairy cows in southwestern Kansas and northeastern New Mexico. This time, wild birds and cats also succumbed to the illness at a dairy farm where infected cows were identified. This raised concerns among scientists about a potential new pandemic spreading to humans, prompting the team to investigate the disease for better preparedness.

Researchers conducted tests at a Texas dairy farm, collecting samples from infected cows and cats to analyze for viral presence. The study revealed a possible cross-species transmission of the disease, indicating a concerning potential for spread among different animal types.

Further analysis using PCR on milk and cat tissues confirmed the presence of avian influenza virus. Samples sent to a veterinary lab validated the findings, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

Subsequent investigations focused on understanding the digestive issues in infected cows and the presence of viral genetic material in affected animals. The team discovered digestive problems and ulcers in the cows, linking the virus’s movement from the stomach to the mammary glands.

Comparative analysis of viral gene sequences between infected cattle and cats showed a high degree of similarity, indicating a common viral strain circulating among the animals. This highlighted the rapid spread of the virus across different cattle populations.

While the transmission of avian influenza among various species is evident, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Researchers cautioned against consuming unpasteurized milk to prevent the virus from spreading further. Continued testing and research are necessary to assess the potential threat posed by avian influenza and prevent the emergence of more harmful variants.

The research team emphasized the importance of testing cows showing symptoms to contain the virus and prevent potential mutations. Vigilance in monitoring and early detection are critical in mitigating the risks associated with avian influenza.


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Source: sciworthy.com

Efficient spread of avian influenza among cattle and other mammals uncovered in study

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summary

  • A new study explains how bird flu spreads between dairy cows and from them to other mammals.
  • Experts are concerned that the virus may be developing new capabilities that help it evolve so it can spread from person to person, something that has not yet been observed.
  • A new study has found that cats and raccoons have died from a virus, possibly from drinking raw milk.

A new study of an ongoing avian flu outbreak on dairy farms provides an unprecedented look into how efficiently the virus spreads among cows and from them to other mammals, including cats and raccoons.

This suggests the virus is developing new capabilities that have bird flu experts concerned.

Bird flu is a concern in the United States due to various poultry populations. Over the past few years, scientists have feared the virus could become more transmissible from person to person and spark the next pandemic.

To the best of researchers' knowledge, there has not yet been any human-to-human transmission, but the number of cases of person-to-person transmission is continuing to increase, Colorado health officials confirmed. 3 new cases Fourteen new cases of bird flu were confirmed on Thursday, bringing the total in the country to 14.

All of the human cases have been farm workers who became infected after coming into contact with sick animals, and all but one was diagnosed within the past four months. Little is still known about the three most recent infections, but the remaining infections are mild.

New research shows that the virus is spreading from one mammal species to another, a relatively new phenomenon that could make it difficult for authorities to control.

The longer the virus goes uncontrolled, the greater the chance it will evolve and adapt, becoming a greater threat to people, say the authors of the new study. The study was published Tuesday in the journal Nature.

“This virus is not very effective at infecting or transmitting to humans, but that could change if the virus continues to circulate among dairy cows and then from there to other mammals,” said study author Diego Diehl, head of the virology lab at Cornell University's Animal Health Diagnostic Center. “This is cause for concern.”

The new study assessed the first outbreaks of avian influenza among cows on nine farms in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas and Ohio, taking animal samples and comparing the genetic similarities of the viruses between them.

Researchers found that the virus, a specific strain of avian flu known as H5N1, spread rapidly between farms. When infected cows were moved from Texas to another farm in Ohio, the virus was soon found in the Ohio cows. Genetic sequences also suggest that cats and raccoons have died from the virus, possibly after drinking raw milk.

Studies have shown that sick cows eat less feed, chew their cud less, produce less milk, and the color of their milk changes. On some infected farms, cows died at twice the normal rate.

Andrew Bowman, a professor of veterinary preventive medicine at Ohio State University who was not involved in the study, said the research reflects the experience of veterinarians on many U.S. farms.

“It's consistent with the clinical picture,” Bowman said. “This is exactly what we've been seeing on dairy farms. This is really just the first documentation that's been published.”

The study adds to the growing evidence that handling and drinking unpasteurized milk is dangerous.

Diehl said infected cows shed incredible amounts of the virus from their mammary glands, at concentrations higher than could easily be cultured in a lab.

“Drinking raw milk is extremely dangerous,” Diehl said.

Various studies have detected live H5N1 virus in raw milk. Pasteurization has been shown to inactivate virusesCommercially produced milk will be safe to drink.

Farmers must not send potentially contaminated milk to production.

“Milk from sick cows should not be used in the milk supply,” Bowman said.

As scientists continue to study the avian flu outbreak, Bowman said he's interested to know whether cows can shed the virus before they start showing signs of illness and whether the virus can continue to spread from mammals infected by cows.

This is only the third time a virus has spread fairly quickly between groups of mammals, said Anise Loewen, a virologist and professor at the Emory University School of Medicine, who was also not involved in the new study. Spreading on mink farms and Between sea lions and fur seals last summer.

Some mammals have severe cases, such as sea lions. sealamong other species.

Lowen said health officials should also consider the risk that people could be infected with H5N1 and seasonal influenza at the same time this winter: When people are infected with more than one influenza virus, the viruses can exchange genetic information, a process called “reassortment.”

This process could give the virus an evolutionary shortcut and change how the virus spreads.

“The viruses currently infecting cattle pose a relatively low risk to humans — that's what the CDC says, and they're right,” Loewen said. “But the risk I see is viral evolution. Viruses change as they adapt to new hosts. They change as they reassort and swap genes.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declined to comment on the new study.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Preparation in the United States for a possible avian influenza outbreak

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Dairy cows on a farm in the US

Shutterstock / Roman Melnyk

The avian influenza virus continues to spread among dairy cows in the United States, and the country’s health authorities are actively preparing for possible spread to humans.

“risk [of bird flu] “While the current rate remains low, we continue to be strongly prepared as new data becomes available,” Vivian Dugan of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said at a meeting of health officials on April 25. Stated.

The first priority is tracking the spread of the virus. So far, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the H5N1 avian influenza virus subtype in dairy cows. 33 farms across 8 statessix cats on farms in three of those states.

Genetic sequencing has shown that out of 260 samples taken from sick dairy cows, only one has a mutation that suggests H5N1 is adapted to infect mammals, he said. Rosemary Chiffod At the Department of Agriculture during a meeting. However, this marker has been previously observed in other diseased mammals and did not affect the ability of the virus to transmit between mammals. Furthermore, her other 10 samples from the same herd from which this sample was collected did not have the same mutation.

“It hasn’t changed much and remains an avian virus…in other words, it hasn’t become an avian virus. [cow] It’s a virus,” Sifford said.

According to data presented at the meeting, the CDC tested 23 people who had close contact with the animals for the virus. Only one person tested positive, a dairy worker in Texas whose only symptom was bloodshot eyes. To increase testing capacity, the CDC recently increased funding to genetic sequencing centers in six states, Dugan said.

Another important measure being taken is to ensure the security of the milk supply in the United States. Milk from infected cows contains large amounts of the virus. Although milk from sick animals should not enter the milk supply, initial testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that: 1 in 5 milk samples Contains genetic signatures of avian influenza.

“Importantly, this does not mean the sample contains intact infectious virus.” donald prater At the FDA. The test method used detects any genetic material, including dead virus.

Most milk sold in the United States is pasteurized, a process that uses high heat to kill pathogens. Although no studies have evaluated the effectiveness of pasteurization against H5N1, research on similar influenza viruses suggests it may be effective, Prater said. This is why people should avoid consuming or touching raw dairy products.

Two vaccine candidates against H5N1 are also under development. Initial testing by the CDC showed both to be effective in laboratory tests on current strains of cattle, Dugan said.

As part of pre-established procedures, the US Office of Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) said it is stockpiling supplies for the avian influenza vaccine. david boucher At the ASPR conference. This involves producing a part of the vaccine called an antigen that triggers an immune response to the virus. He said ASPR and its commercial partners have already filled hundreds of thousands of bottles of H5N1 vaccine and can quickly supply it for clinical trials or emergency use if needed.

“Based on the CDC’s current situational risks, vaccination is not a necessary tool at this time. But we want to be prepared in case the situation changes,” Boucher said. Enough material is also stockpiled to produce 10 million more doses. And ASPR has contracts with vaccine manufacturers to further increase production as needed.

“If we need to pull any of these levers, we are ready to do so,” Boucher said.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Avian Influenza Detected in Chickens at Texas Factory, America’s Largest Raw Egg Producer Reports

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The largest producer of raw eggs in the nation has announced a temporary halt in production at its Texas factory on Tuesday due to avian influenza. The virus has been found in chickens, and authorities have reported cases at a poultry facility in Michigan as well.

Calmaine Foods, headquartered in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has euthanized about 1.6 million hens and 337,000 hens, or roughly 3.6% of its flock, after avian influenza cases were discovered at its Palmer facility in Texas. The company stated that it has been sanctioned in Texas County.

The plant is situated on the Texas-New Mexico border in the Texas Panhandle, about 85 miles (137 kilometers) southwest of Amarillo and 370 miles (595 kilometers) northwest of Dallas. CalMaine reported that most of its eggs are sold in the Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.

The statement from the company mentioned, “We are collaborating closely with federal, state, and local authorities, as well as key industry organizations, to minimize the risk of further outbreaks and manage the response effectively.”

“Calmaine Foods is taking steps to ensure production from other facilities to mitigate any disruptions for customers,” the statement added.

The company clarified that there is no identified risk of avian influenza associated with eggs currently in the market, and no recalls have been issued for eggs.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, properly processed and cooked eggs are safe for consumption. The department confirmed.

A day after the announcement by Cal-Maine, state health officials revealed that one person had been diagnosed with bird flu after potential exposure to an infected cow, but the risk to the public remains low. Federal health officials stated that the human case in Texas is the first documented instance globally of someone contracting this strain of bird flu from a mammal.

In Michigan, avian influenza was detected at a commercial poultry facility in Ionia County by the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, as reported by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Ionia County is approximately 100 miles (161 kilometers) northwest of Detroit.

The department confirmed the disease on Monday following laboratory tests, marking the fourth instance since 2022 that the illness was identified at a commercial site in Michigan.

Department spokesperson Jennifer Holton stated on Tuesday that state regulations prohibit the disclosure of poultry types at the facilities. The facility is under quarantine, but no disruptions to the state’s supply chain are anticipated, according to Holton.

Dairy cows in Texas and Kansas reported Federal agriculture officials subsequently confirmed the infection in a Michigan dairy herd that had recently acquired cattle from Texas. An Idaho dairy herd was also added to the list after federal agriculture officials confirmed the presence of avian influenza, according to a USDA press release on Tuesday.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Person confirmed to have avian influenza after contact with infected dairy cows.

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dairy cow

Shutterstock / Zhang Yuangeng

A person living in the United States contracted avian influenza from an infected dairy cow in Texas. This is the first case in which a subtype of the virus called H5N1 has been confirmed to be transmitted between humans and other mammals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the news today after confirming a positive test result over the weekend. The patient’s only symptom was eye inflammation, and he is taking antiviral medication and is recovering. They had come into contact with cattle believed to have been infected with a virus that has decimated the world’s bird populations.

Last week, cattle in five US states (Texas, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, and Idaho) tested positive for H5N1. It’s unclear how they got sick, but it now appears the virus may be spreading among the animals. According to the US Department of Agriculture.

Until now, it had only been confirmed that mammals could be infected with the virus from sick birds. “There have been several non-human outbreaks where there may have been mammal-to-mammal transmission,” says Richard Webby at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Tennessee. For example, 17,000 elephant seal pups died in Argentina late last year due to avian influenza. In 2022, there was an outbreak among farmed mink in Spain. But in these situations, it is difficult to rule out other sources of the virus, such as contaminated food, he said.

Despite recent human infections, the CDC says the risk of contracting bird flu remains low for most people. People who have had close contact with other animals, including infected birds and livestock, are at greatest risk. Although pasteurized milk is safe, you should avoid consuming or handling raw dairy products.

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Source: www.newscientist.com