(CBS DETROIT) — As a state, scientists at Michigan State University are looking for more answers to bird flu reported its first human case.
“We need to better understand how the virus spreads from cow to cow and, more importantly, from herd to herd. Because once we understand that, we can better take new measures to limit its consequences. reduce that spread,” said Kim Dodd, director of MSU’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.
The diagnostic laboratory plays a crucial role in the research as the state’s official testing laboratory. Scientists analyze samples from wild and domestic flocks and test livestock.
“It has been our job since the beginning of the outbreak to work closely with state and federal officials to quickly identify positive herds or flocks and then work with them to conduct the required surveillance to ensure that we limit, spread and limit the spread. of the outbreak,” Dodd said. “To be fair, most of us virologists did not expect to detect highly pathogenic bird flu in dairy cattle and so we still have a lot to learn about it.”
On Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that the virus was detected in a farm worker who was exposed to infected livestock. This is the second human case in the US after a farm worker in Texas was infected.
Dodd said livestock and people infected with bird flu do recover.
She recommended avoiding handling wild animals and drinking unpasteurized milk, but was clear the risk to the public remains low.
Elle Meijers
