Study Of H5N1 Infected Cows And Cats In United States Shows That H5N1 Targets The Brain, Lungs, Gastrointestinal Tract And Mammary Glands
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 13, 2024 6 months, 1 week, 2 days, 17 hours, 19 minutes ago
H5N1 News: The study of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infections in domestic dairy cattle and cats in the United States has revealed significant insights into the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and potential transmission routes of the virus. This
H5N1 News report delves into the comprehensive analysis conducted by researchers from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine-USA, Sunrise Veterinary Service PLLC, Amarillo, Texas-USA, Veterinary Research & Consulting Services LLC, Hays, Kansas-USA and Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, Texas-USA, shedding light on the impact of H5N1 infection on different organs and systems in cattle and cats.
Mammary gland lesions in cattle in study of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus infection in domestic dairy cattle and cats, United States, 2024. A, B) Mammary gland tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin. A) Arrowheads indicate segmental loss within open secretory mammary alveoli. Original magnification ×40. B) Arrowheads indicate epithelial degeneration and necrosis lining alveoli with intraluminal sloughing. Asterisk indicates intraluminal neutrophilic inflammation. Original magnification ×400. C, D) Mammary gland tissue sections stained by using avian influenza A immunohistochemistry. C) Brown staining indicates lobular distribution of avian influenza A virus. Original magnification ×40. D) Brown staining indicates strong nuclear and intracytoplasmic immunoreactivity of intact and sloughed epithelial cells within mammary alveoli. Original magnification ×400.
Background
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, particularly the H5N1 subtype, have long been recognized as a global threat, primarily affecting wild birds and poultry. However, the emergence of clade 2.3.4.4b viruses in late 2021 and their subsequent spread to domestic animals, including cattle and cats, has raised significant concerns about cross-species transmission and potential public health implications.
Detection and Spread of HPAI H5N1 in the US
The initial detection of HPAI H5N1 virus in dairy cattle in the panhandle region of northern Texas in February 2024 marked the beginning of a detailed investigation into the clinical presentation and disease progression in affected animals. Subsequent cases were reported in southwestern Kansas and northeastern New Mexico, highlighting the geographical spread of the virus within the United States.
Clinical Manifestations in Dairy Cattle
Affected dairy cattle exhibited nonspecific signs of illness, including reduced feed intake, rumination, and a sudden drop in milk production. These clinical features were parti
cularly prominent in multiparous cows during middle to late lactation. Notably, the milk from affected cows often showed a thickened, creamy yellow appearance resembling colostrum, indicating potential mammary gland involvement.
Pathological Findings in Cows and Cats
Postmortem examinations revealed various gross and microscopic lesions in both cattle and cats infected with HPAI H5N1. Cows showed signs of acute mastitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, and dehydration, while cats exhibited severe systemic virus infection, including meningoencephalitis, interstitial pneumonia, myocarditis, and chorioretinitis. These findings underscored the multi-organ tropism of the virus in different mammalian species.
Molecular and Genetic Analysis
Genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of samples from infected cows and cats provided crucial insights into the genetic relatedness and evolution of the H5N1 virus strain. High nucleotide identity between HA and NA sequences from bovine milk and cat tissues suggested a shared origin of the virus, emphasizing the potential for cross-species transmission.
Transmission Routes and Public Health Concerns
The study highlighted the possible transmission routes of HPAI H5N1, including ingestion of contaminated feed or unpasteurized milk. The detection of virus shedding in milk from infected cows raised concerns about cross-species transmission to humans and other mammals. Public awareness regarding the risks associated with consuming raw milk contaminated with HPAI viruses is crucial to prevent further spread.
Impact on Dairy Industry and Veterinary Practices
The outbreak of HPAI H5N1 in dairy cattle has significant implications for the dairy industry and veterinary practices. The abrupt drop in milk production and the potential for widespread infection among cattle herds underscore the importance of surveillance, early detection, and biosecurity measures on farms. Veterinarians play a critical role in monitoring animal health, implementing control measures, and educating farmers and the public about disease prevention.
One Health Approach
The One Health approach, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is paramount in addressing zoonotic diseases like HPAI H5N1. Collaboration between veterinary professionals, public health authorities, and agricultural stakeholders is essential to mitigate the risks posed by emerging infectious diseases and safeguard both animal welfare and public health.
Challenges and Future Directions
Challenges in managing HPAI H5N1 outbreaks include the rapid spread of the virus, limited antiviral treatment options, and the potential for mutations leading to increased virulence or transmissibility. Future research should focus on developing effective vaccines, improving diagnostic capabilities, and understanding host-pathogen interactions to better control and prevent HPAI infections in both animals and humans.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the study emphasizes the susceptibility of dairy cattle and cats to HPAI H5N1 infection and the potential for mammal-to-mammal transmission. Continued surveillance, public education, and research efforts are necessary to understand the dynamics of influenza virus evolution, transmission pathways, and mitigate the risks posed by HPAI viruses to animal and human health. Adopting a One Health approach and implementing robust biosecurity measures are key strategies to prevent and control future outbreaks of HPAI H5N1 and other zoonotic pathogens.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed U.S. CDC’s journal: Emerging Infectious Diseases.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/7/24-0508_article
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