Latest news with #dairyfarms
NHK
2 days ago
- Health
- NHK
Researchers: Delayed treatment of bird flu may raise risk of drug-resistance
A group of researchers says delayed treatment of a type of bird flu now spreading on dairy farms in the United States may increase the virus's drug-resistance. The group is led by Professor Kawaoka Yoshihiro of the University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center. It has been studying the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus that has spread rapidly among US dairy cattle since early 2024. There have been reports that the virus appears to have been transmitted from cows to humans in 41 cases. The researchers gave the antiviral drug Xofluza, or baloxavir marboxil, to mice infected with bovine H5N1 virus and examined its efficacy. They say that of the five mice treated with Xofluza from 24 hours after infection, three died within 21 days. They say a Xofluza-resistant virus was found in one dead mouse. The researchers say all five mice that were given Xofluza from 48 hours after infection died. Three of them reportedly had drug-resistant viruses. But the group says none of the mice given the drug starting one hour after infection died, and no drug-resistant viruses were found in them. Professor Kawaoka says there is a possibility that the virus multiplies so quickly that the emergence of drug-resistance might be facilitated. He says there is need to explore ways to respond, such as extending the period of drug administration and increasing dosage, in case humans are infected.
Sustainability Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Sustainability Times
'They Drank Infected Milk and Spread Chaos': Scientists Trace Bird Flu Outbreak in US Cows to Rampaging, Virus-Carrying Calves
IN A NUTSHELL 🦠 A recent study reveals that calves can transmit the H5N1 bird flu virus to dairy cows through nursing, affecting mammary glands. can transmit the to dairy cows through nursing, affecting mammary glands. 📈 The virus has impacted over 1,070 dairy farms across 17 U.S. states, causing a mortality rate of up to 10% among infected cattle. across 17 U.S. states, causing a mortality rate of up to 10% among infected cattle. 💡 Researchers hypothesize that 'mouth-to-teat' transmission is a key route for infection, facilitated by self-nursing and mutual-nursing behaviors. transmission is a key route for infection, facilitated by self-nursing and mutual-nursing behaviors. 💉 Two vaccines, an H5 inactivated vaccine and a hemagglutinin-based DNA vaccine, have shown promising results in protecting cattle from the H5N1 infection. The H5N1 bird flu poses an urgent threat to both animal and human health, as revealed by a recent study. This highly contagious virus, typically known for affecting respiratory systems, has baffled scientists by invading the mammary glands of dairy cows. Conducted under the guidance of Professor Hualan Chen from the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, this research uncovers the pathway through which the virus spreads among cattle. With devastating impacts already observed in the United States, this revelation is crucial for developing strategies to control and prevent future outbreaks. The study also holds global significance for the dairy industry, emphasizing the need for immediate action. Study on Cattle in China The H5N1 bird flu has been a concern for global health since its impact on poultry and wild birds intensified in 2021. However, the situation took a dramatic turn in March 2024 when dairy cattle in the United States became the new victims. By June 2025, the virus had affected over 1,070 dairy farms across 17 states, resulting in a mortality rate of up to 10% among infected cattle. The human impact is also worrisome, with 41 dairy farm workers contracting the virus. This crisis not only threatens the dairy industry but also public health, as the virus damages mammary glands and contaminates milk. Remarkably, genes of the H5N1 virus were found in 25% of U.S. retail milk samples. The pressing question is how a respiratory pathogen infiltrates the mammary glands of dairy cows. The research involved 50 cattle housed in a high-security facility, meticulously examining the virus's replication and spread through various inoculation methods. Discover the Top Nutrient-Rich Foods that Can Assist in Your Weight Loss Journey Potential Vaccines The study revealed that the virus only replicated in the mouth and respiratory tract when it entered through the nose. When directly introduced into the mammary gland, the virus was contained, indicating that the natural infection route is through the teat. This led to the hypothesis that 'mouth-to-teat' transmission could be the pathway for infection. Some lactating cows, known for 'stealing milk' through self-nursing or mutual-nursing, might facilitate this transmission. Bovine oral tissues, rich in sialic acid receptors, are particularly susceptible to viral infection from contaminated feed and water, allowing the virus to efficiently replicate and spread. The researchers confirmed that calves with H5N1 in their mouths could transmit the virus to the mammary glands of the cows they nursed. The mystery was unraveled, paving the way for potential solutions. Could vaccination, successful for avian influenza in poultry, protect cattle as well? Tests of two vaccines in lactating cattle showed promising results. Both an H5 inactivated vaccine and a hemagglutinin-based DNA vaccine offered complete protection against H5N1, even under high-dose viral challenges. 'Your Breath Is a Signature': Scientists Reveal Human Breath Is as Unique and Traceable as a Fingerprint Strategies for Disease Management The successful demonstration of vaccine efficacy provides a critical strategy for protecting dairy herds and safeguarding public health. The study suggests that implementing vaccination programs could be a viable solution for controlling H5N1 outbreaks in cattle. This approach not only shields cattle from infection but also helps maintain the integrity of the milk supply chain. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of monitoring and managing cattle interactions, particularly focusing on calves and their nursing behaviors. By understanding the specific transmission routes, farmers and veterinarians can implement targeted measures to disrupt the spread of the virus. The study also highlights the need for global collaboration, as the lessons learned could inform strategies in other countries facing similar threats. « This brewing habit could silently hurt you »: these common coffee preparation methods directly linked to increased heart disease risk Implications for Global Health The findings of this study, published in the journal National Science Review, have significant implications for global health and the dairy industry. As H5N1 continues to spread, it is imperative to adopt comprehensive strategies that incorporate vaccination, surveillance, and biosecurity measures. The research conducted by Professor Chen and her team offers a roadmap for managing the disease not only in the United States but also in other countries at risk. By addressing the root causes and transmission pathways, the dairy industry can mitigate the impact of future outbreaks. The study serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of animal and human health, urging stakeholders to prioritize proactive measures. As we navigate the complexities of H5N1 and its impact on cattle, the need for further research and collaboration becomes evident. How can the global community come together to effectively combat this threat, and what additional measures can be implemented to ensure the safety of both animals and humans? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (21)
New York Times
30-05-2025
- General
- New York Times
Trump's Deportations Haunt Workers in the Fields of Rural New York
Trump's Deportations Haunt Workers in the Fields of Rural New York Foreign-born workers on New York's fruit and dairy farms have sequestered themselves to avoid the administration's deportation net. By Ana Ley Visuals by Hilary Swift Ana Ley and Hilary Swift drove hundreds of miles through rural New York to meet with farmworkers and their children. In the vast farmlands of northern New York, where horse-drawn buggies and tractors wind through miles of apple orchards and raspberry bushes and flocks of grazing sheep, workers wait. And watch. They have seen federal agents sweep away a mother and her three children from their home on a dairy in the village of Sackets Harbor, N.Y. And they have heard about the food vendor arrested by the immigration police after she hit a deer in a snowstorm and sought help from a neighbor who reported her to the authorities. Officers then took her husband from work and their daughters, 6 and 9 years old, from school. As the nation's battle lines sharpen on immigration, tension engulfs farmworkers who, in many respects, embody the fraught, sometimes contradictory nature of the debate. The business owners who depend on migrant work — many of them supporters of President Trump — feel anxious about the prospect of losing a crucial labor force. In the surrounding communities, there is palpable acrimony between those who think migrants should be allowed to stay in the country and those who want them to go. Afraid of being next amid the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration, some laborers have not left their homes for weeks except to go to work, canceling dance parties and quinceañeras. Two longtime housemates said that they ended their weekend ritual of going shopping at the mall. One woman decided not to go to church with her family over Easter. A teenage girl burst into tears at the kitchen table as her mother explained that she was afraid to go out for ice cream. More than a dozen laborers and their children shared their stories with The New York Times, saying they feel tormented by what they described as cruel and chaotic deportation efforts aimed at their community. In rural New York, some immigrants have been briefly detained and then released, while others with legal papers languish in custody, leaving many confused about who is being forced out of the country and who gets to remain. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kuwait dairy farms hit by foot-and-mouth outbreak, milk prices surge
KUWAIT CITY - A recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in several local dairy farms has triggered a sharp rise in fresh milk prices, with some companies reporting increases of nearly 40 percent. These companies have approached the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, urging immediate intervention to mitigate the impact on the sector. According to informed sources, the Ministry has received formal reports from affected dairy companies indicating a 30 to 40 percent spike in operational costs. The outbreak has led to a significant drop in local milk production, estimated between 20 to 30 percent, which has created a gap between supply and demand, exerting financial pressure on suppliers. The sources explained that this imbalance is also affecting milk distributed through the government's ration card system. In response, companies have proposed financial compensation to offset the losses incurred due to rising production costs and falling sales margins. However, Minister of Commerce Khalifa Al-Ajeel has emphasized that any measures to address the issue must not involve increasing the retail price of fresh milk, either in the market or through government supply channels. He noted that the current crisis is temporary and does not warrant a permanent adjustment in consumer pricing. Officials from the Ministry are reportedly in ongoing discussions with major milk suppliers to assess the financial impact of the disease outbreak. The goal is to develop a fiscal solution that relieves pressure on suppliers without burdening consumers with higher prices. Arab Times | © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( arabtimes
