Federal officials first revealed the discovery of High Path Avian Flu in cattle on March 25th. However, new research shows the virus might have been lurking long before it was found.
A research project, funded by the USDA and CDC, shows a wild bird likely introduced the virus to cattle. From there, they believe the virus circulated locally for around four months before the March discovery.
Using genetics, scientists at the University of Arizona found sequences showing a single transmission event late last year. Tests have revealed no traces of the virus in ground beef, and health leaders reiterate the U.S. food supply is safe despite these cases.
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The U.S. government will give pharmaceutical company Moderna $176 million for a High-Path Avian Flu vaccine, Reuters reports.
Eleven states have confirmed cases of High-Path Avian Flu (HPAI H5N1) in dairy herds, with the latest confirmed outbreak coming out of Minnesota.
