Worldsfeed Helth Desk: A dairy farm employee in Colorado has tested positive for avian influenza, exhibiting mild symptoms such as conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. The worker, who had direct exposure to infected cattle, has successfully recovered following antiviral treatment.
This incident marks the fourth human case of avian flu in the United States since the virus was first identified in cattle this March. The previous cases, all involving dairy farm workers, also saw recovery. Two of these workers had mild pink eye, while the third experienced minor respiratory issues.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the new case, reassuring the public that the overall risk remains low. However, individuals in contact with infected animals are at a greater risk of contracting the virus.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that avian flu has affected cattle on 139 farms across 12 states, with Colorado experiencing 27 outbreaks.
In a proactive measure, Moderna has been awarded a $176 million government contract to further develop a human vaccine for bird flu. Concurrently, the USDA is conducting its own research and consulting with approximately two dozen companies regarding a potential vaccine for cattle. Despite these efforts, the USDA aims to eradicate the virus from dairy herds without relying on vaccination.
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