USDA’s focus on addressing bird flu outbreak in central Iowa gains prominence

In Ames, Iowa, lies the National Animal Disease Center, a government research facility with 43 scientists dedicated to studying and combatting animal diseases like the current bird flu outbreak. The center, established in 1961 on a vast 523-acre site, has a rich history of developing vaccines for diseases affecting pigs and cattle over the years.

One crucial focus at the facility is the testing of a cow vaccine to halt the spread of the bird flu virus, potentially preventing it from becoming a widespread human disease. The center, with its 93 buildings, including a high-containment laboratory, serves as a key research hub for animal diseases like the H5N1 bird flu.

This year, the center experienced an uptick in activity as the H5N1 bird flu unexpectedly infected U.S. dairy cows, prompting intensified research efforts. Researchers, such as Amy Baker, are working on testing vaccines for cows, with promising preliminary results expected soon. The appearance of the virus in cows caught scientists off guard, as influenza is typically viewed as a respiratory disease.

Despite the ongoing research, there is no approved bird flu vaccine for U.S. poultry farms yet. The facility is also conducting studies on how the virus spreads among cows, with a recent experiment showing that the virus mainly transmits through milk containing high viral loads.

Researchers are exploring the possibility of unique influenzas in cows and the potential for cross-species transmission. Understanding these dynamics is vital for ongoing research at the center, ensuring readiness for emerging animal diseases that may pose risks to both animal and human health.