A regular update on the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in dairy cows in the U.S. is being provided by STAT. Pathologist Thijs Kuiken draws parallels with a past Q fever epidemic in the Netherlands, emphasizing the need to address animal health problems as public health concerns. Concerns are raised about the lack of urgency and comprehensive planning in the U.S. response to the H5N1 outbreak, which could lead to the virus adapting to mammals. Efforts are being made to test farmworkers and assess the risk posed by the virus in commercial milk production. USDA is offering compensation for farmers affected by reduced milk production.
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