Recent H5N1 bird flu variants show increased ability to infect dairy cattle

Recent H5N1 bird flu variants show increased ability to infect dairy cattle

The H5N1 avian influenza virus—commonly known as bird flu—has been causing outbreaks in dairy cows in the United States since March 2024. Now, scientists studying the adaptation of the avian H5N1 viruses to cows have found that some of the more recent variants are more able to infect cow cells and tissues than some older variants.

Bird flu virus adapting to infect cows, scientists warn

The development is raising concerns about the virus’s potential to spread further in mammals.

Scientists Track Adaptation of H5N1 in Dairy Cattle