Veterinarians unknowingly infected with bird flu, CDC confirms
- Investigators collected blood samples from veterinary practitioners in September 2024.
- Three participants displayed antibodies indicating past infection without any symptoms.
- The findings highlight the risk and need for better screening and protective measures for animal workers.
In the United States, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed evidence of past bird flu infections in veterinarians who primarily work with dairy cattle, despite their lack of awareness regarding exposure. Blood samples were gathered in September 2024 from 150 veterinary practitioners, assessing for bird flu antibodies that indicate prior infection as part of an investigation into an increasing number of human cases linked to bird flu outbreaks in livestock. The sampling came at a time of heightened concern, as avian influenza had been present in dairy cattle across multiple states since January of the same year, signaling a potential spread of infection that had yet to be identified in some regions. Among the veterinary practitioners tested, it was found that three individuals had developed antibodies indicating they had previously been infected with bird flu. Notably, these practitioners did not exhibit any respiratory problems or influenza-like symptoms and had not sought influenza testing despite their potential exposure. Their occupational duties involved care for multiple types of animals, including both dairy and non-dairy cattle, and in some instances, they had contact with poultry known to be infected by the virus. These findings raised important questions about the current understanding of how the virus may circulate among animal populations and potentially transmit to humans. The lack of protective respiratory gear among the practitioners also came to light, emphasizing the need for increased safety measures and awareness among those in close contact with livestock. Furthermore, the report emphasized the importance of immediate actions to control potential outbreaks, recommending swift identification of infected herds through various testing protocols. This situation also raises a broader concern for the health of the public and pets in areas with reported bird flu cases, as evidenced by recent observations of neurological symptoms in wildlife and increased caution among pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts.