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Researchers have warned that the disease can infect cow cells and tissues more effectively than older strains.
Strains of the H5N1 avian influenza virus – commonly known as bird flu – are adapting to infect cows, scientists in Glasgow have warned.
Researchers have warned that the disease can infect cow cells and tissues more effectively than older strains. The findings come from a study published in Nature Communications, led by scientists at the MRC–University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research.
The team analysed a large panel of viruses representing more than 60 years of H5N1 evolution.
Professor Pablo Murcia said: “Influenza viruses are constantly changing and this rapid evolution allows them to infect new animal species. The better adapted they become to infect mammals, the more chances they have to infect and adapt to humans – as we saw with the 2009 swine flu pandemic.”
The virus has already been causing outbreaks among dairy cows in the United States. Scientists say the latest findings highlight the need for continued testing and monitoring as the virus remains a potential pandemic threat.
The discovery of bird flu in cows last year came as a shock as H5N1 were not previously thought to cause outbreaks in cattle. However, bird flu is known for its ability to spill over into mammals, raising concerns it could spread into other animal species.
Scientists warn there is a risk that new strains could emerge that are better able to infect humans. The study found that the ability of H5N1 viruses to infect cow cells and mammary tissue is not controlled by a single factor, but depends on changes acquired gradually over time.
Researchers also discovered that bird flu viruses vary widely in how well they can replicate in cow cells.
Professor Massimo Palmarini, from both the Erasmus Medical Centre and the MRC–University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, added: “Our work shows that different bird flu viruses have very different abilities to infect cow cells and tissues. While the strain currently spreading in US cattle is clearly the best adapted so far, there are other bird viruses that could potentially infect cows if given the chance.”
The research, ‘The potential of H5N1 viruses to adapt to bovine cells varies throughout evolution’, was funded by the UKRI Medical Research Council, Wellcome, and the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
