Avian Influenza: Testing protects vaccine cattle against American spread
A MRNA vaccine against Avian Flu A study published in the magazine showed good results in livestock tests Nature.
According to the study, peers have not yet reviewed, stimulated a strong immune response in the experimental vaccine calves and protected them against the H5N1 virus infection.
Since March 2024, H5N1 is responsible for infecting over a thousand dairy herds in 17 American states, 64 verified human cases and death. In Brazil, so far, two Cases of the disease are confirmed in commercial farms.
There has been an improvement of more than ten years of research on previous research on MRNA vaccines for seasonal aviation flu.
A group of scientists replaced the viral hemaglutinin gene – a protein that triggers the immune system response – with the relevant gene of the new virus variant found in dairy farms.
For a virginist Scott Hensley, one of the authors of research, the flexibility of MRNA technology allows this rapid adaptation: “It is easy to change genes, which is the great advantage of MRNA-based vaccines,” he said.
How are vaccine tests?
In recent exams, 10 calves received vaccination and after 49 days, the vulnerable milk from the infected cows was exposed to the cattle, and it was possible to transmit between cattle. Vaccination animals have a low level of viral RNA compared to undesirable.
In spite of progress, Experts warn that the aviation flu transmission takes a lot of lactation between cows, and research in these adult animals has not yet tested the vaccine. Hensley has confirmed that additional studies are already underway for this stage.
For Richard Webby, Director of WHO Co -operative Studies for WHO Co -operative Studies in animals and birds, “Even without these data, it is an important step to develop vaccines that have the outbreak of results.”
Other animals are expected to be on their way. The US Agriculture Department has already approved at least seven field testing candidates this year and in February, the poultry has been ruled out against the aviation flu against the aviation flu.
However, the trajectory of MRNA vaccine for cattle faces political challenges. Republican legislators in South Carolina, Texas and Montana have proposed projects to ban MRNA vaccines in animals, accused of damage to human health. Scientists are concerned that President Donald Trump has financed these investigations in the current administration.
“I am optimistic about continuous support for the development of these vaccines. It will now be a mistake to stop this progress,” Hensley said.
In addition to political issues, the microbiologist at the University of Aubarni, Aubarama, must assess the economic feasibility of the immunizer for the market farmers, according to Sholy Falconburg, takes into consideration the cost and required doses. “The agriculture industry is run through financial results. In the end, decisions depend on the cost-interest ratio,” he explained.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for vaccination to cattle to curb new infections, to reduce deaths and to reduce rising financial risks. “Livestock vaccines are not a special solution, but it is necessary to make innovations so that the current strategies are not working,” the webby concluded.
Do cows take aviation flu?
The avian flu virus, traditionally affects birds, has distinct behavior by infecting mammals, including cattle.
In the United States, certified cases of H5N1 subtype infection in dairy herds have recorded a transmission between cows, as well as polluting other animals such as cats and raccoons. The main form of infection for cattle is associated with infected birds or consumption of raw milk contaminated by virus.
In Brazil, the High Pathogenicity (IAAP) has already been confirmed in the influenza commercial birds.
Researchers warn that although there are no reports of livestock infection by the use of poultry, the virus affects mammals, including cattle. It is important to highlight it Beef or cooked poultry consumption is no longer at risk of transmitting avior flu to humans.
For people, the risk of avion flu contraction is limited to those who maintain direct and continuous contact with birds or other infected animals, breeders and agricultural professionals.
Disease transmission to humans from livestock is less considered, but intelligence is the key to receiving the virus and causing zunotic spread.
Recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus are to adopt strict hygiene techniques and constantly monitor the herds. These measures are required to extend its transmission ability to prevent virus resistance or from expressing mutations.
What is the source of Avian Influenza?
Avian influenza virus originates from wild waterfowl, which are natural reservoirs.
The first outbreak of domestic birds occurred in 1918. In 1997, human infection was first identified.
How was the virus transmitted?
The transmission is mainly caused by direct contact between infected birds. This includes aerosols, feces and body fluids.
This can also occur when playing contaminated environments.
However, the transmission between humans is rare.
Which birds are infected with the virus?
The virus is in wild water birds such as ducks and adults.
They are natural reservoirs of the virus.
It can also be seen in domestic birds such as chickens and turkeys, which are very likely.
What are the clinical signs of the disease in birds?
Infected birds can show respiratory symptoms such as cough and sneezing.
They may also have nasal secretion, bleeding and nerve signs. Deaths are high and the egg production comes.
What should be done in case of suspicious disease in birds?
It is important to warn health officials soon.
It helps to take control measures such as isolation and vigilance.
If necessary, there may be a sanitary slaughter to prevent propaganda.
How to protect your birds?
Should adopt strict security measures:
Access control to farms.
Proper hygiene.
Avoid contact with wild birds.
Constantly monitor the health of bird.
Is there Avian influenza vaccine?
Yes, there are vaccines, but their use is controlled and depends on epidemiological conditions. The vaccine completes, but does not replace safety and sanitary control measures.
What is the risk of contaminating humans?
The risk is low. Generally, it can only happen in people who have a direct and long -term relationship with infected birds.
A person contaminated when eating chicken and eggs?
According to experts and sanitary authorities, there is no risk of transmitting avian flu through the use of chicken or eggs, if they are cooked properly.
The avian influenza virus is very hot sensitive and is destroyed during cooking in any manufacture of fire. Therefore, properly prepared avian foods are safe for the use.
In addition, international organizations such as the Ministry of Agriculture, World Health Organization (WHO) And the PAN American Health Organization (Paho) emphasizes that there are no records of avior flu transmitted from the use of chicken or boiled eggs.
What are the risks of human health?
In spite of rare, human infection is severe, the risk of respiratory symptoms and problems.
The biggest concern is the possibility of mutations that facilitate transmission between humans.
