UI expert says humans at low risk of bird flu as cases rise in mammals
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — As scientists have researched cows and other mammals getting infected with the bird flu, an expert from the University of Illinois is advising people not to worry too much.
The CDC reported nine states having cattle outbreaks with 36 dairy herds affected. Experts are watching closely to make sure it does not start affecting more people.
How does bird flu affect other species? UI professor explains
Jim Lowe, University of Illinois Dean of Veterinarian Medicine, said scientists are prepared.
“With bird flu or avian flu, they need a specific receptor that’s in birds — and mammals, we have a different receptor,” he said. “Cows have to have both in their utter, but they don’t have it in their respiratory tract. And this virus hasn’t shown any indication that it’s likely to adapt and grab that mammalian receptor. So, not particularly a risk to humans.”
Lowe said most of the cows that have been affected get sick for a short time and recover.
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