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California investigating possible case of bird flu in child who drank raw milk By Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN 2 minute read Published 9:39 AM EST, Wed December 11, 2024 Video Ad Feedback Government to test milk for bird flu 03:57 - Source: CNN CNN — California health officials are investigating a possible case of bird flu in a child who became ill after drinking raw milk, Marin County Public Health said on Tuesday. The child went to a local emergency department in November with fever and vomiting after drinking raw milk and tested positive for influenza A, the county said. More testing is underway to determine whether the child had H5N1 bird flu. The child recovered and no family members became ill. Related articleUS government to begin expanded testing of milk supply to better track the spread of bird flu California health officials have been warning about the risks of raw milk and other raw dairy products since the virus was identified in products last month. While pasteurized milk goes through a heating process that kills harmful pathogens, raw milk is not pasteurized and can carry listeria, campylobacter, salmonella, E. coli and bird flu virus. Distribution from Fresno-based Raw Farm was halted in November after bird flu was identified in milk products from store shelves, dairy storage and bottling sites. Raw Farm has said it has paused production while its herd is under quarantine. Bird flu has continued to spread in wild birds, poultry and dairy cattle around the United States since spring. There’s no evidence of person-to-person spread but scientists worry the virus can mutate to spread more easily among people. The US Department of Agriculture announced last week a plan to expand testing of milk bound for pasteurization in order to better track the spread of bird flu. Get CNN Health's weekly newsletter Sign up here to get The Results Are In with Dr. Sanjay Gupta every Friday from the CNN Health team. Fifty-eight bird flu cases have been confirmed in humans in the United States so far this year, including 32 in California. Most are linked to farm workers who have been in contact with sick animals. California also reported last month the first US case identified in a child; the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday that the virus from that case resembled those previously detected in humans, cattle and poultry in California but it’s not clear how the child was exposed. In an alert to health-care providers last week, the California Department of Health said doctors should consider bird flu in people with acute respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis who’ve had recent exposure to animals with bird flu or who have recently consumed raw dairy products. Bird flu symptoms in humans include typical flu-like symptoms such as eye redness, sore throat, runny nose, cough, diarrhea, vomiting, body aches, fatigue, trouble swallowing or fever. https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/11/health/california-bird-flu-child-raw-milk-marin/index.html

Marin County Public Health is closely monitoring a multi-state outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows with transmission to humans primarily in dairy and poultry workers. H5N1 bird flu was first detected among cows in California in August 2024. H5N1 bird flu was first detected among humans in California in October 2024. H5N1 has been detected in both wild birds and poultry in Marin County. H5N1 has also been detected in wastewater. H5N1 has not been detected among livestock or farm workers in Marin. In November, Marin County Public Health (MCPH) was notified of a suspected case of bird flu. The child presented to a local emergency department with fever and vomiting after drinking raw milk. The child tested positive for Influenza A. MCPH is working with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on additional testing to confirm if this infection was bird flu or seasonal flu. The child has recovered and no other family members became sick, indicating no person-to-person transmission. People rarely get bird flu, but those who interact with infected dairy cows, poultry, or wildlife have a greater risk of infection. The current risk to the public remains low. Health Care Providers: On December 6th, CDPH released an alert(link is external) advising healthcare providers to consider avian flu in symptomatic persons who consumed raw milk products. Contact Marin County Public Health to coordinate testing for suspected avian influenza A (H5N1) in persons with signs and symptoms consistent with acute respiratory tract or gastrointestinal infection and/or conjunctivitis with history of consuming raw milk in the past 10 days. During business hours, call 415-473-4163 to coordinate testing. Dairies & Cattle Farms: Call 1-866-922-2473 to report an unusual number of sick livestock or if you suspect Bird Flu in your livestock. For more information, visit: CDC News Release 11.22.2024(link is external) CDFA - AHFSS - AHB - H5N1 Bird Flu Virus in Livestock(link is external) CDPH Current Bird Flu Situation(link is external) CDC’s H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary (link is external) Last reviewed and updated: December 10, 2024 What is H5N1 Bird Flu? H5N1 bird flu is a specific strain or type of influenza virus. H5N1 bird flu is also called highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). H5N1 bird flu can infect wild birds, poultry, and mammals such as cows. Human infections with H5N1 bird flu are rare, but spread of the virus may lead to changes that make it more likely to infect humans. Public Health Recommendations CDC has indicated that the current risk to the general public from H5N1 bird flu is low. People should: Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating and after interacting with animals. Avoid unprotected exposures to sick or dead animals including wild birds, poultry, and other domesticated birds. Handling sick or dead animals safely requires personal protective equipment and training. Do not drink or eat unpasteurized (raw) milk or raw cheese. Raw milk and cheese have not gone through a process called pasteurization that kills disease-causing germs. The milk of cows infected with H5N1 carries live virus. For more information about how raw milk can make you sick, visit the CDC’s Raw Milk web page(link is external). Recommendations for Agricultural Workers People who have job-related or recreational exposure to infected animals, including wild birds, poultry, and dairy cows, are at greater risk of being exposed to H5N1 bird flu. People at higher risk should: Follow all CDC recommendations(link is external) for worker protection to reduce the risk of infection Call your health care provider if you feel sick. Symptoms of H5N1 bird flu can include red or watery eyes, cough, sore throat, and fever. The California Department of Public Health has also created an educational flyer for agricultural workers about H5N1 bird flu. Please access the PDF here: English(link is external) / Spanish(link is external) Additional Resources Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Fact Sheet(link is external) (California Department of Food and Agriculture) Avian Influenzas Updates(link is external) (California Department of Food and Agriculture) Poultry Products Transportation(link is external) (California Department of Food and Agriculture) Updates on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)(link is external) (Food and Drug Administration)

In November, Marin County Public Health (MCPH) was notified of a suspected case of bird flu. The child presented to a local emergency department with fever and vomiting after drinking raw milk. The child tested positive for Influenza A. MCPH is working with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on additional testing to confirm if this infection was bird flu or seasonal flu. The child has recovered and no other family members became sick, indicating no person-to-person transmission. https://www.marinhhs.org/h5n1-bird-flu

Technical Update: Summary Analysis of the Genetic Sequence of a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Identified in a Child in California At a glance Although the genetic data generated were insufficient to classify the virus as a specific genotype, the virus gene segments sequenced most closely resemble those segments from recent B3.13 viruses detected in California in humans, dairy cattle and poultry. This analysis supports the conclusion that the overall risk to the general public associated with the ongoing HPAI A(H5N1) outbreak in U.S. dairy cattle and poultry has not changed and remains low at this time. What to Know This is a technical summary of an analysis of the genomic sequence data for an influenza A(H5N1) virus from a pediatric case in California that was confirmed by CDC on November 22. This analysis supports the conclusion that the overall risk to the general public associated with the ongoing HPAI A(H5N1) outbreak in U.S. dairy cattle and poultry has not changed and remains low at this time. CDC Update December 10, 2024 – As previously reported, CDC, in partnership with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), confirmed a human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus (H5N1 bird flu) in a child in California on November 22, 2024. The patient was initially detected as a suspected case of A(H5N1) through influenza testing and reported to CDPH through influenza surveillance, with initial subtyping conducted by the Stanford Medicine Clinical Virology Laboratory and presumptive positive test results reported by CDPH on November 19, 2024. Based on real-time RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values determined during diagnostic testing, the nasopharyngeal specimen from the patient was found to have very low levels of influenza viral RNA. Initial attempts to sequence the viral RNA by both Stanford Medicine and CDC using standard Next Generation Sequencing methodologies produced weak amplicons resulting from the PCR process that were challenging to sequence using both Nanopore and Illumina sequencing methodologies. Additionally, efforts to isolate virus from the specimen were not successful. By employing nucleic acid enrichment techniques, CDC and Stanford Medicine were able to generate the following viral RNA sequence data: full-length neuraminidase (NA) and nucleoprotein (NP) genes and partial hemagglutinin (HA), polymerase basic 2 (PB2), and polymerase basic 1 (PB1) genes. CDC and Stanford Medicine have submitted these data for A/California/192/2024 to both the GISAID and GenBank databases with accession numbers EPI_ISL_19597300 and PQ724471-PQ724473, respectively. The initial sequence analysis, which was based on short fragments of the HA and NA genes, indicated that the virus was a clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) virus similar to viruses causing outbreaks in dairy cattle and poultry in the United States. Upon obtaining full-length NA and NP genes, CDC was able to perform a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis, which showed that the virus was very similar to viruses detected in both dairy cattle and poultry as well as to A(H5N1) viruses from previous human infections in dairy workers in California. Although the genetic data generated were insufficient to classify the virus as a specific genotype, the NA and NP sequences shared close nucleotide identity and phylogenetic clustering with NA and NP genes from recent B3.13 viruses detected in California in humans, dairy cattle and poultry. Epidemiologic and environmental investigations did not clearly identify a possible source of exposure. Given that additional sequence data from the case could not be generated, it is unlikely that the source of the child's exposure to A(H5N1) virus will be identified, thus completing the investigation into genotype and exposure. In addition to the phylogenetic analysis of the NA and NP genes, CDC conducted an assessment of the sequences of the virus specimen for molecular changes that might impact infectivity or transmissibility in humans or reduce susceptibility to antivirals, such as oseltamivir. The partial HA sequence, despite lacking portions of the 5' end of the gene, did not have additional changes in predicted antigenic sites compared to available clade 2.3.4.4b candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs). Nor were changes identified in the receptor binding domain of the virus, indicating that the virus retained avian receptor binding properties with no mutations that would impact changes in infectivity or transmissibility in humans. The PB2 and PB1 genes did not have genetic changes associated with mammalian adaptation, nor were there any genetic changes identified in NA sequence data that have been associated with reduced susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitors, such as oseltamivir. Lastly, the sequence data confirmed that the virus from this case is not closely related to the virus that caused severe illness in a human in British Columbia, Canada. Collectively, these data indicate that the virus detected in this pediatric case is very similar to the majority of other influenza A(H5N1) viruses detected in the United States and bears no signs of concerning mutations. While the sequence data obtained do not allow for definitive determination of the viral genotype, and no specific animal exposure source has been identified, these findings provide important contextual information and help to inform CDC's overall risk assessment. They also highlight the value of a collaborative approach to this response, including virologic risk assessments based on genetic data. Follow-up Actions Sporadic human infections with a novel influenza virus where animal exposure is not identified are not uncommon and have occurred during the current H5N1 bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cattle and poultry and in past outbreaks around the world. This case does not change CDC’s assessment of the immediate risk to the general public, which remains low at this time. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of H5N1 virus in California or elsewhere in the United States. However, persons with occupational exposure to infected animals, such as poultry cullers, poultry workers, and dairy farm workers, are at higher risk of influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. Public health surveillance and investigations of all identified cases will continue at the local, state, and federal levels to monitor for concerning changes in the epidemiology of human cases or changes to influenza A(H5N1) viruses that could signal an increased public health threat – potentially including more severe outcomes in those currently at risk of exposure and infection, or increased risk to the general public.

Although the genetic data generated were insufficient to classify the virus as a specific genotype, the virus gene segments sequenced most closely resemble those segments from recent B3.13 viruses detected in California in humans, dairy cattle and poultry. This analysis supports the conclusion that the overall risk to the general public associated with the ongoing HPAI A(H5N1) outbreak in U.S. dairy cattle and poultry has not changed and remains low at this time. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-12092024.html?s=09

News Release: Avian Influenza Update News Release For Immediate Release: December 6, 2024 Media Contact: Niala Charles Mobile: 480-318-6337 Email: [email protected] Avian Influenza Update PHOENIX- The Arizona Department of Health Services is reporting the first human H5 cases in Arizona. Both individuals were exposed to infected poultry while working at a commercial facility in Pinal County. These individuals reported mild symptoms, received treatment and recovered. Avian influenza has been detected in Arizona, including a commercial poultry farm in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County. Most human infections with H5 virus have occurred after unprotected exposure to sick or dead infected animals or their environment. Human infections with H5 can happen when the virus gets in a person’s eyes, nose, mouth or is inhaled from close or prolonged exposure to sick animals or their environments. H5 infection in people can range from mild (upper respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis) to severe (pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and death). There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission of H5 is occurring to date. The risk to the general public from H5 remains low. Arizona continues to take swift and comprehensive action in response to any detections of avian influenza within the state. Specifically the state is: Working with local, state, and federal partners to monitor bird flu in farm animals and people who work closely with poultry and dairy cows. Distributing protective gear to farm workers who have contact with infected animals. Helping ensure individuals with symptoms of or exposure to bird flu have access to testing and treatment; providing prophylactic treatment to individuals who may have been exposed to bird flu. Conducting timely public education efforts to ensure those impacted have information about avian influenza. Avian influenza H5 is a novel influenza A virus that primarily affects birds. Although human infections with H5 are rare, exposure to animals infected with influenza A(H5) or environments in which infected animals have been present increase the risk of individuals becoming infected. To reduce the risk of infection, people should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals and their droppings or bedding, and should not consume unpasteurized (raw) dairy products. *Cases meet the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) probable case definition (PDF). ### About Us: The Arizona Department of Health Services is committed to the health and well-being of every Arizonan. We provide reliable health information, support critical health services, and promote wellness throughout our state. Whether it’s managing health crises, offering vital resources, or driving community health initiatives, ADHS is here to ensure a healthier and safer Arizona for all https://directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov/news-release-avian-influenza-update/

Avian flu reported in Arizona Mohave Valley Daily News 6 hrs ago KINGMAN — The first human cases of H5 avian flu have been identified in Arizona but none have been reported in or near Mohave County. The first cases were detected in Pinal and Maricopa counties. "Currently, there are no reported cases of H5N1 in the county," Mohave County Director of Public Health Melissa Palmer said. "We continue to monitor the statewide situation in conjunction with the Arizona Department of Health Services." Humans infected with avian flu (the H5N1 strain) typically develop mild to severe symptoms, including upper respiratory problems, conjunctivitis, pneumonia and organ failure. There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission is occurring, meaning the risk to the general public remains low. “There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission of H5 (avian flu) is occurring to date," the state health department said. "The risk to the general public from H5 remains low." The Arizona cases were linked to poultry operations, a commercial farm in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County. Most human infections have occurred after unprotected exposure to sick or dead infected animals or their environment. Human infections generally occur when the virus gets into a person's eyes, nose or mouth or is inhaled from close or prolonged exposure to sick animals or their environments. The virus is transmitted from animal-to-animal by direct contact, including eating the remains of infected animals or live in environments with the remains and droppings of infected animals. Though commonly known as the bird flu, the H5N1 strain is known to infect dairy cattle. Rarely, it can also infect rodents, raccoons, skunks and a wide variety of members of the canine and feline families, both wild and domestic. According to information from the Mohave County Communications Department, Arizona is taking swift and comprehensive action in response to any detections of avian influenza within the state. Specifically, the state is: • Working with local, state, and federal partners to monitor bird flu in farm animals and people who work closely with poultry and dairy cows. • Distributing protective gear to farm workers who have contact with infected animals. • Helping ensure individuals with symptoms of or exposure to bird flu have access to testing and treatment; providing prophylactic treatment to individuals who may have been exposed to bird flu. • Conducting timely public education efforts to ensure those impacted have information about avian influenza. To reduce the risk of infection, people should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals and their droppings or bedding and should not consume unpasteurized (raw) dairy products. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been at least 58 human H5 cases in the U.S. this year, including 31 in California. A California farm recently expanded a recall of raw milk sold in stores and halted production after state health and agriculture officials found the flu virus in more milk samples.

The Arizona cases were linked to poultry operations, a commercial farm in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County. Most human infections have occurred after unprotected exposure to sick or dead infected animals or their environment. Human infections generally occur when the virus gets into a person's eyes, nose or mouth or is inhaled from close or prolonged exposure to sick animals or their environments. https://www.mohavedailynews.com/news/avian-flu-reported-in-arizona/article_b8e5e4b8-b680-11ef-8828-975282430661.html

Disease X’ Outbreak Widens as UN Sends Health Team to Congo https://www.msn.com/en-us/science/general/ar-AA1vuxL8

WHO Radio News New Strain of Bird Flu Detected in Iowa ByDave Bohl, JD Snover Dec 9, 2024 Photo: georgeclerk / E+ / Getty Images (Undated) -- A new strain of bird flu has been detected in Iowa. A case was announced late last week, and another over the weekend. Mike Naig is the state's Agriculture Secretary, and he says they're expecting more. "This is a separate wild bird strain," Naig says. "It's not the dairy strain, and it's not the previous poultry strain. So, it's new and it's quite aggressive." He says this strain is only affecting birds as of right now. "It's not like this is affecting dairy cattle in other states and it's just not happening here yet," Naig says. "So that's maybe some good news. That it is confined just to the one species." Cases have been identified in surrounding states including South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota, Illinois, Missouri and Oklahoma. Naig says when birds get it they die quickly. "It's just reminding us that we have got to be doubling down on bio security, but also watching and making sure we're keeping track and observing potent clinical signs," Naig says.

"This is a separate wild bird strain," Naig says. "It's not the dairy strain, and it's not the previous poultry strain. So, it's new and it's quite aggressive." He says this strain is only affecting birds as of right now. "It's not like this is affecting dairy cattle in other states and it's just not happening here yet," Naig says. "So that's maybe some good news. That it is confined just to the one species." Cases have been identified in surrounding states including South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota, Illinois, Missouri and Oklahoma. Naig says when birds get it they die quickly. https://whoradio.iheart.com/featured/who-radio-news/content/2024-12-09-new-strain-of-bird-flu-detected-in-iowa/

A child who visited Marin County during Thanksgiving week is being tested for a possible infection of H5N1, the bird flu. Marin’s public health officer, Dr. Lisa Santora, said the child tested positive for influenza type A at a hospital. The type A category includes bird flu. The child had been visiting from out of state for the holiday. “Additional local and state testing was unable to confirm if a seasonal flu or avian flu subtypes,” Santora said. The staff submitted a specimen from the patient to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. The county expects to receive the test results by the end of the week, Santora said Monday. RELATED: Maverick operator of California raw milk dairy could have role in Trump’s FDA H5N1, which typically infects poultry flocks and wild birds, has been transmitted to at least 58 people in the United States this year, according to the CDC. Thirty-two cases have been reported in California. A human case of H5N1 was reported in Alameda County last month. Authorities do not know the patient’s source of exposure, the Marin County public health staff reported. Symptoms of the virus in human cases include eye redness, mild flu-like symptoms, fever, pneumonia, fatigue and breathing difficulties, the CDC says. Marin County’s public health staff reported that H5N1 has been detected in wild birds, poultry and wastewater in Marin. Last month, the staff started investigating “presumptive” positive test results at a poultry farm. H5N1 outbreaks prompted the euthanization of 1.2 million birds by commercial producers in Sonoma County last year, officials said Santora said H5N1 passed from birds to cattle this year. “We’re not seeing the same level of severity in cows themselves,” she said. Cows can be quarantined and returned to milk production after their infectious period ends, she said. https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/12/09/marin-officials-report-possible-bird-flu-case-in-child/

Marin County Officials Investigate Potential Bird Flu Case In Child By RTTNews Staff Writer ✉ | Published: 12/9/2024 2:58 PM ET | Health officials said that a possible case of bird flu was detected in a child in Marin County. The County's public health officer, Dr. Lisa Santora, informed that the child had tested positive for influenza type A at a hospital. "Additional local and state testing was unable to confirm if a seasonal flu or avian flu subtypes," Santora added. The officials have submitted the blood sample of the patient to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation. They expect to receive the results by the end of the week. If confirmed, this would mark the second bird flu case in a child in the U.S. "It's deeply concerning that another child may have H5N1. We need to know much more about this case, including some hypotheses for how she or he may have contracted the virus," Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University in Providence, said to AOL. "Given the proximity of this case to the last case of H5N1 diagnosed in a child without known exposure to animals, it may be prudent to conduct a broader investigation, including a serologic study, to see if there is evidence of other infections in the area." The first case in a child was identified in Alameda County in November. "Consistent with previously identified human cases in the United States, the child reportedly experienced mild symptoms and received flu antivirals," the CDC said. "There were low levels of viral material detected in the initial specimen collected, and follow-up testing of the child several days later was negative for H5 bird flu but was positive for other common respiratory viruses." The health agency has urged public to distance themselves from infected animals and birds. For comments and feedback contact: [email protected] https://www.rttnews.com/3496005/marin-county-officials-investigate-potential-bird-flu-case-in-child.aspx

Health officials said that a possible case of bird flu was detected in a child in Marin County. The County's public health officer, Dr. Lisa Santora, informed that the child had tested positive for influenza type A at a hospital."Additional local and state testing was unable to confirm if a seasonal flu or avian flu subtypes," Santora added. The officials have submitted the blood sample of the patient to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation. They expect to receive the results by the end of the week. If confirmed, this would mark the second bird flu case in a child in the U.S.

3 new cases of possible bird flu reported in Colorado Story by Lauren Irwin • 4mo • 2 min read 3 new cases of possible bird flu reported in Colorado© Provided by The Hill State health officials in Colorado have identified three new possible cases of bird flu among poultry workers. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said in a release Friday that it had identified three presumptive positive cases of avian influenza in workers who were responding to an outbreak of the virus at a commercial egg operation. The state agencies notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and sent the specimen to confirm that it is in fact bird flu. “The workers were culling poultry at a farm in northeast Colorado and exhibited mind symptoms,” the release said. Symptoms included conjunctivitis — commonly known as pink eye — and common respiratory infection symptoms. None of the individuals were hospitalized, the state said. “State epidemiologists suspect the poultry workers’ cases are a result of working directly with infected poultry,” the release said. The CDC is sending a team to Colorado to support an investigation, the federal agency said. “As we learn more, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates,” the CDC said. “These preliminary results again underscore the risk of exposure to affected animals.” Both agencies list the risk for the general public as low. Related video: Possible case of bird flu reported in Marin County child (KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco) or poultry workers anymore if this is going to be Loaded: 26.89% Play Current Time 0:11 / Duration 2:13 Quality Settings Captions Fullscreen KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco Possible case of bird flu reported in Marin County child Unmute 0 View on Watch More videos FOX NewsMilk supply under scrutiny as bird flu cases rise KRON San FranciscoMarin County child possibly contracted bird flu KCCI Des MoinesBird flu cases found in northern Iowa turkey farm The CDC said earlier this month that the fourth human case of bird flu was reported. If the federal agency tests the Colorado cases and they come back confirmed for the H5N1 virus, it will bump up the number of those infected to seven. The concern began after more than 40 cattle herds nationwide have confirmed cases of the virus. There is concern for a potential widespread outbreak. A former CDC director predicts that one day there will be a bird flu pandemic, once the virus learns how to transfer human to human. The mortality rate for bird flu is much higher than COVID-19. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/3-new-cases-of-possible-bird-flu-reported-in-colorado/ar-BB1pUPwz

Colorado state health officials identify possible cases of avian flu in Colorado poultry workers The risk to the public remains low; all cases had direct contact with infected animals Denver (July 12, 2024) — The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in coordination with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and State Emergency Operations Center, has identified three presumptive positive cases of avian influenza in workers responding to the avian flu outbreak at a commercial egg layer operation. CDPHE’s State Public Health Laboratory sent the specimens generating the preliminary results to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmatory testing. The workers were culling poultry at a farm in northeast Colorado and exhibited mild symptoms, including conjunctivitis (pink eye) and common respiratory infection symptoms. None of the individuals were hospitalized. State public health officials have collected additional samples from symptomatic workers, which will be tested this weekend. State epidemiologists suspect the poultry workers’ cases are a result of working directly with infected poultry. The investigation is ongoing with support from CDC. On July 3, CDPHE identified a case of avian flu in a Colorado dairy worker. It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry products. The proper handling and cooking of poultry, meat, and eggs kills bacteria and viruses, including avian flu viruses. If you work with dairy cows or poultry that may have avian flu and you start to feel sick, seek medical care or call CDPHE at 303-692-2700 (after normal business hours: 303-370-9395). The Department can help you get a flu test and medicine if needed. More information about avian flu in humans is available at cdphe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/hpai-h5n1. https://cdphe.colorado.gov/press-release/colorado-state-health-officials-identify-possible-cases-of-avian-flu-in-colorado

Colorado only lists Weld 14 backyard farm updated 11/15/24

SITUATION REPORT #77 November 15, 2024 State of Colorado Response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Please note: This report covers incidences of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in domestic poultry flocks (both backyard and commercial) in Colorado. New information is highlighted in BOLD ITALIC RED type. Situation Reports will be released weekly on Fridays and available to the public. Statewide Summary Detections in Commercial/Backyard Flocks Total number of affected counties = 17 Total number of affected premises = 39 Total number of birds affected in Colorado Commercial chickens = 8,405,325 Backyard poultry = 1,763 Gamebirds = 15,801 Premises by County/Number of Flocks Pitkin = 1 (Control area released) Montrose = 2 (Premises quarantine released) La Plata = 3 (Premises quarantine released) Weld = 14 (Premises quarantine established) Jefferson = 2 (Premises quarantine released) Mesa = 1 (Control area released) Boulder = 1 (Premises quarantine released) Larimer = 4 (Premises quarantine released) Prowers = 1 (Premises quarantine released) Moffat = 2 (Premises quarantine released) Arapahoe = 2 (Premises quarantine released) Yuma = 1 (Premises quarantine released) Pueblo = 1 (Premises quarantine released) Routt = 1 (Premises quarantine released) Morgan = 2 (Premises quarantine established) Bent = 1 (Premises quarantine released) Delta = 1 (Premises quarantine released) View all 2022-2024 Colorado HPAI Situation Reports https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mq_o36arhZ3jgO3FuxLSj-2Ar2r83y_504DrGKotsoY/edit?tab=t.0

3 New Cases of Possible Bird Flu Reported in Colorado Andrea Ano about 3 hours ago Photo by Magda Ehlers/Pexels Listen to this article 00:02:40 State health officials in Colorado have identified three new possible cases of bird flu among poultry workers. The cases are currently under investigation, and samples have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmation. New Cases of Bird Flu Among Poultry Workers Three new possible bird flu cases have been reported in Colorado among poultry workers. These workers were handling infected poultry at a farm in northeast Colorado. They exhibited mild symptoms including conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, and typical respiratory infection symptoms. Thankfully, none of the individuals required hospitalization. The state health department suspects that these cases are linked to direct contact with infected birds. The CDC and state health officials are currently investigating the outbreak to understand its scope and ensure proper public health measures are in place. State and Federal Response to the Outbreak In response to the outbreak, the CDC and state health officials are working closely to investigate the new bird flu cases. The USDA has ordered nationwide testing of milk starting December 16 to monitor the virus’s spread in dairy cows. This testing will begin in six states, including Colorado, which already has a state-mandated testing plan for bird flu in dairies. The additional testing aims to provide better monitoring and containment of the virus. Colorado’s existing program, which involves weekly bulk milk tank testing, aligns with USDA requirements to maintain an ongoing absence of bird flu in dairy cattle. Impact on the Dairy Industry and Public Health The dairy industry in Colorado, and nationwide, has expressed concerns about the economic impact of bird flu testing. There is worry that the testing could affect milk prices and market stability. However, pasteurization, a heat treatment process, remains effective in eliminating the virus from milk, ensuring it remains safe for public consumption. Health officials continue to emphasize that the risk to the general public from bird flu remains low. Despite the detection of the virus in dairy cows, no direct evidence suggests that pasteurized milk poses a health risk. The state and federal health authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further spread of the virus. About the Author: Andrea Ano Read more

Three new possible bird flu cases have been reported in Colorado among poultry workers. These workers were handling infected poultry at a farm in northeast Colorado. They exhibited mild symptoms including conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, and typical respiratory infection symptoms. Thankfully, none of the individuals required hospitalization. The state health department suspects that these cases are linked to direct contact with infected birds. The CDC and state health officials are currently investigating the outbreak to understand its scope and ensure proper public health measures are in place. https://www.longmontleader.com/colorado-news/3-new-cases-of-possible-bird-flu-reported-in-colorado-9925635

Multiple Salmonella Lawsuits filed after 171 sickened by Raw Farm LLC Raw Milk By Bill Marler on December 6, 2024 Posted in Case News On October 18, 2023, an investigation of an outbreak associated with Raw Farm, LLC products was initiated. At least eight Salmonella cases who had reported consuming raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC of Fresno County, California, were discovered and reported to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Another nine cases from another county were discovered to be infected with Salmonella Typhimurium. Local health departments, CDPH, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) investigated this outbreak. This outbreak was assigned the CDC ID 2310MLJPX-2. For this investigation, a confirmed case was defined as a laboratory confirmed infection of S. Typhimurium, within 2 alleles of code SALM1.0 – 6745.4.2.1x, that was highly related (within 4 SNPs) based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to the outbreak strain in a person with symptom onset since September 15, 2023. A probable case was defined as a laboratory-confirmed Salmonella infection, in a person who reported consumption of Raw Farm raw milk and had symptom onset from September 15, 2023 through May 4, 2024. As of October 15, 2024, 171 cases (159 confirmed and 12 probable) have been reported from five states: CA (167), NM (1), TX (1), WA (1), and PA (1). In California the following counties reported cases: Los Angeles (27), San Diego (25), Orange (19), Placer (7),Riverside (7), Sacramento (7), Alameda (6), Ventura (6), Contra Costa (5), Kern (5), San Bernardino (5), Santa Clara (5), Solano (5), Santa Barbara (4), Stanislaus (4), Long Beach (4), Fresno (3), Kings (2), Madera (2), Nevada (2), San Joaquin (2), and Yolo (2). Illness onsets ranged from September 21 to March 12, 2024. Symptoms included fever, bloody or watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and headache. The age range of cases was <1 to 87 years (median 7). Sixty-five percent of cases were male. Twenty cases (14%) were known to require hospitalization; no deaths were reported. Four cases were discovered to have co-infections with S. Typhimurium and Campylobacter and/or STEC. Most illnesses were among children. All cases who met the confirmed case definition, regardless of raw milk exposure, and all cases who met the probable case definition were also interviewed with a raw dairy supplemental questionnaire to ascertain the brand and purchase location of their exposure and whether they had any leftover product, along with any other details of raw dairy exposures prior to illness onset. Seventy-two percent (91/127) of cases reported consuming raw milk in the initial and/or supplemental questionnaire. Eighty-five percent (46/54) of California cases, in interviews with the supplemental questionnaire, reported consuming raw milk. Of those who consumed raw milk and recalled brand information, 93% (41/44) consumed Raw Farm brand raw milk. The proportion of confirmed patients who reported raw milk consumption during the week prior to illness was significantly higher (binomial p-value <0.001) than expected by chance alone, compared to the estimated 1.9% background rate of raw milk consumption during the prior week based on 2018 and 2019 FoodNet CA population survey estimates. All five patients who reported consuming or likely consumed other types of raw dairy products (including various cheeses, cream, and butter) also confirmed drinking Raw Farm raw milk. Based on epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by local and state officials that indicated that raw milk consumed by cases was produced at Raw Farm, Raw Farm, LLC recalled their raw milk and raw heavy cream on October 24, 2023, including products with best by dates from October 11, 2023 to November 6, 2023. Products were sold at the following locations: Bristol Farm, Clark’s Nutrition, Elliott’s Natural Foods, Erewhon Market, Frazier Farms Market, Jimbo’s, Lassen’s Natural Foods, Lazy Acres, Lunardi’s, Mother’s Market, Nugget Market, and Sprouts Farmers Market locations. Specifically, the recalled products included the Raw Whole Milk in a gallon container (128 ounce) with item number 1000 and the barcode 835204006004, the Raw Whole Milk in half gallon (64 ounce) container with item number 1005 and the barcode 835204000095, the Raw Whole Milk in quart containers (32 ounce) with item number 1010 and the barcode 835204000019, and Raw Heavy Cream in 16-ounce containers with item number 3050 and the barcode 835204000132. Link to Report: https://www.marlerblog.com/files/2024/12/CA-EPI-24-01-Raw-Milk-S.-Typhimurium-Outbreak-08052024_FINAL_cleared.pdf Previous Raw Farm, LLC Recalls and Outbreaks Since September 2006, Raw Farm, LLC, formerly known as Organic Pastures Dairy Company (“OPDC”), has issued multiple recalls of unpasteurized milk products, and been linked to multiple outbreaks as outlined below. The following table shows Raw Farm’s previous history with contaminated products: Date Product Contaminant Recall/Illnesses September 2006 Raw Milk E. Coli O157:H7 Six ill, two severely ill with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome September 2007 Raw Cream Listeria monocytogenes Recall Issued December 2007 Raw Milk Campylobacter Eight Illnesses September 2008 Raw Cream Campylobacter Recall Issued November 2011 Raw Milk E. Coli O157:H7 Five ill, three severely ill with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome May 2012 Raw Milk/Cream Campylobacter 10 Illnesses October 2015 Raw Milk Campylobacter Recall Issued January 2016 Raw Milk E. Coli Nine ill, two severely ill with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome May 2023 Raw Milk Campylobacter Recall Issued August 2023 Unpasteurized Cheese Salmonella Recall Issued Tags: Salmonella Attorney, Salmonella Lawyer

On October 18, 2023, an investigation of an outbreak associated with Raw Farm, LLC products was initiated. At least eight Salmonella cases who had reported consuming raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC of Fresno County, California, were discovered and reported to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Another nine cases from another county were discovered to be infected with Salmonella Typhimurium. Local health departments, CDPH, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) investigated this outbreak. This outbreak was assigned the CDC ID 2310MLJPX-2. https://www.marlerblog.com/case-news/multiple-salmonella-lawsuits-filed-after-171-sickened-by-raw-farm-llc-raw-milk/

Sales of raw milk halted by state due to bird flu virus contamination Raw Farm CEO calls the broad recall ‘a political issue’ after milk products are pulled from shelves Fernando Hernandez runs milking machines on cows at the Raw Farm USA dairy in Fresno County on Friday, June 14, 2024. (Craig Kohlruss/Fresno Bee/TNS) By Lisa Krieger | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group UPDATED: December 7, 2024 at 8:47 AM PST Worried that a drink of infected raw milk could cause the H5N1 bird flu virus to jump to people, state health officials have ordered that all raw milk and cream from a Fresno-based dairy farm be pulled from store shelves. Consumers should return any purchased milk to the store where it was bought, they add. “Californians are strongly encouraged not to consume any raw milk or cream products in their possession or still on store shelves,” the California Department of Public Health said in a statement released Monday night. Milk that is pasteurized, which kills the virus and other pathogens, remains safe to drink. Milk products from Raw Farm, the state’s leading raw milk producer, tested positive for bird flu at both retail and dairy storage and bottling sites in recent days, officials said. This is a broader recall than what was announced last week, following the discovery of contaminated Raw Farm product at Santa Clara County retail stores from two specific lots of milk. The Santa Clara County Department of Public Health said it was unable to authorize the release of the names of the stores. As the disease investigation continues, Raw Farm is cooperating fully with CDPH and the California Department of Food and Agriculture. But Raw Food CEO Mark McAfee — who said he has been asked to apply for a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory position in the incoming Trump administration — called the recall and quarantine “a political issue. There are no food safety issues with our products,” he wrote on the company’s website. “We are working towards resolving this political issue while being cooperative with our government regulatory agencies,” he wrote. “Our family business has faced many political challenges before and we are resilient.” No one has been sickened by avian flu after drinking raw milk products from this dairy. But it’s known that exposure to infected raw milk can cause illness. As the virus has swept through the state’s dairy industry, infecting 493 of the state’s 1,100 operators, an estimated 30 California dairy farm workers have become sick. “Drinking or accidentally inhaling raw milk containing bird flu virus may lead to illness,” according to CDPH. “In addition, touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands after touching raw milk with bird flu virus may also lead to infection.” Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that the virus can remain infectious in raw milk for at least several weeks when kept refrigerated at 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Cats consuming infected raw milk from the farms “bulk tanks” have become infected and died, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Subsequent autopsies have revealed severe systemic virus infection in these animals, affecting organs such as the brain and eyes, according to Michael Payne of the Western Institute for Food Safety and Security at UC Davis. The virus spreads through aerosol particles and contaminated milking equipment. While most affected animals recover with supportive treatment, an estimated 10% to 15% of cows die, according to Western United Dairies CEO Anja Raudabaugh. Many never return to their prior productivity. Currently, the virus only targets the cells of animals. But it’s just a mutation or two away from being able to target the cells of people, virologists say. As it spreads, there’s a greater chance that a mutation will emerge. The virus seems to target the cells of a cow’s udder. This may explain why younger cows and beef cattle have been unaffected. Following the CDPH investigation, Raw Farm is quarantined for more than two months, meaning that it is not allowed to move any cattle off the property or sell any brand of its raw milk products. McAfee is allowed to sell milk from his 1,800-cow dairy to a processor who will pasteurize it and use it in different products, including milk or cheese. According to CDFA rules, if there are no more sick cows within 60 days, it will begin testing the milk again. Before its milk can be released, the dairy must test negative in three tests, with seven days between tests. Raw milk is considered so unsafe that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration prohibits interstate sales. But individual states still control raw milk sales within their borders — and California is one of 12 states that allow its purchase in retail stores. Raw Farm has been linked to a plethora of other outbreaks of pathogens unrelated to the bird flu virus, including the bacteria Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter. According to recent litigation filed by Seattle-based attorney Bill Marler, victims of a Salmonella outbreak between September 2023 to March 2024 include at least six residents of Alameda County, five residents of Contra Costa County and five residents of Santa Clara County. Rather than banning raw milk, California relies on advertising restrictions and warning labels to inform consumers of risk. If the state or federal government finds that a food company is egregious in its safety or sanitation practices, said UC Davis’s Payne, it could be forced to cease operations until it implements programs that prove it is in compliance. Originally Published: December 7, 2024 at 8:46 AM PST https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2024/12/07/sales-of-raw-milk-halted-by-state-due-to-bird-flu-virus-contamination/

Mark McAfee, the owner of the infected raw milk farm — Raw Farm LLC — told The Times last week that he believed the milk had gone out to 90,000 customers. Asked how he determined that number, he said, “Our consumers buy every week.... it’s very reliable. We have 500 stores and based on dollar volume per checkout, it’s our best guess.” https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-12-07/possible-h5n1-case-in-marin-co-child-source-of-infection-unknown

“It’s deeply concerning that another child may have H5N1. We need to know much more about this case, including some hypotheses for how she or he may have contracted the virus,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University in Providence, R.I. “Given the proximity of this case to the last case of H5N1 diagnosed in a child without known exposure to animals, it may be prudent to conduct a broader investigation, including a serologic study, to see if there is evidence of other infections in the area.” https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-12-07/possible-h5n1-case-in-marin-co-child-source-of-infection-unknown