Experts at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine are diving into the mystery surrounding a recent bird flu outbreak that has struck cattle in the Texas panhandle. This unprecedented occurrence has prompted virology specialists to sequence the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus found in the affected cows, a phenomenon never before seen in this species.

Dr. Diego Diel, associate professor of virology and director of the Virology Laboratory at Cornell's Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC), underscores the gravity of this situation, noting that when HPAI jumps to new species, particularly mammals, it raises concerns about potential adaptation and transmission between animals.

HPAI is notorious for its lethal impact on birds, targeting their gastrointestinal tract and nervous system. Since 2022, millions of commercial poultry and wild birds have succumbed to HPAI outbreaks. While the virus has been detected in wild carnivores feeding on infected bird carcasses, there's been no evidence of transmission to other animals until now.

The saga began when assistant professor Elisha Frye received reports of an unknown disease outbreak affecting dairy herds in Texas. Upon investigation, it was found that the cows exhibited unusual symptoms—reduced milk production, altered milk consistency, mild respiratory issues, poor appetite, and sporadic low-grade fevers.

Samples from the afflicted cows were swiftly sent to Cornell's AHDC for testing. Utilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS), Dr. Diel's team identified HPAI in nasal swabs and milk samples from the sick cows within a remarkably short timeframe.

Further analysis revealed that the virus had also infected birds and a farm cat on the same premises. The rapid dissemination of the virus among these diverse species underscores the urgency of understanding its origins and transmission dynamics.

Dr. Diel emphasizes the importance of studying this outbreak to unravel the mystery behind the virus's spillover into dairy cows and assess the risks it poses to other animals and even humans.

The AHDC urges veterinarians to promptly send samples from affected animals during any disease outbreak for comprehensive testing. Detailed instructions for sample submission can be found online.

This groundbreaking research represents a collaborative effort to combat the spread of HPAI and safeguard both animal and human health. For more in-depth coverage of this story, visit the Cornell Chronicle: the full version of this story appears on the Cornell Chronicle.