A recent outbreak of bird flu in US dairy cows has raised concerns after a Michigan dairy worker became the second human to be infected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about the increasing number of bird flu cases among cows, with high levels of the virus found in raw milk.

The infected dairy worker from Michigan experienced mild eye symptoms but has since recovered. Officials have reassured the public that the risk of transmission remains low, as the worker had direct contact with infected cows.

Although a nasal swab tested negative for the virus, an eye swab came back positive, indicating an eye infection, according to the CDC. The first human case was reported in Texas earlier this spring when a farm worker was diagnosed with the bird flu strain after experiencing eye inflammation.

The USDA believes that unpasteurized milk is the primary mode of transmission among cows, although the exact method of spread is still unknown. To prevent further spread, dairy cows are now required to test negative for the virus before being transported across state lines.

Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert, warned that more cases could arise from exposure to infected cows and their milk. He emphasized the importance of widespread testing to identify and contain potential cases.

Since 2020, the bird flu virus has been detected in various animal species globally, including dogs, cats, skunks, bears, seals, and porpoises. The recent cases in US livestock have raised concerns about food safety and the need for vigilance in monitoring and controlling the spread of the virus.