A year after the first outbreak of bird flu among cattle in the United States, the situation remains critical, with at least 875 herds across 16 states testing positive for the virus. This outbreak has raised significant concerns among farmers, researchers, and health experts about the potential for a pandemic [0dee6abd]. The slow response from the U.S. government has exacerbated the crisis, leading to a 20% drop in milk production, which poses a severe risk to the dairy industry [0dee6abd].
In addition to the impact on livestock, over 60 people in the U.S. have been infected with the virus, further heightening fears of a wider outbreak [0dee6abd]. The unprecedented spread of the virus among cows, which share biological similarities with humans, is particularly alarming [0dee6abd]. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invested over $1.7 billion to control the infection in poultry farms and an additional $430 million for dairy farms, but significant gaps in knowledge about the transmission of the virus from animals to humans remain [0dee6abd].
Experts have criticized authorities for their slow response and inadequate testing measures, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent a potential pandemic [0dee6abd]. As the situation evolves, the implications for public health and the economy continue to grow, necessitating a coordinated effort to address the outbreak effectively [0dee6abd].