As Catholics, we are called to be stewards of God’s creation, caring for both our health and the well-being of animals. The recent outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a reminder of this responsibility. While there have been no widespread human cases reported in the United States, the virus has significantly affected poultry populations and presents potential risks to both human and animal health.
The Situation Across the Country
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 66 human cases of bird flu nationwide, with the majority occurring in certain regions. While human-to-human transmission remains rare, the virus’s potential to evolve has raised concerns. The virus has affected poultry farms across the country, with detection also occurring in both wild and domesticated animals. The CDC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are closely monitoring the situation.
Dr. Dora Anne Mills, Chief Health Improvement Officer at MaineHealth, stresses the importance of early detection, noting, “The fact that we are seeing it in various animals and some severe cases is concerning… The ingredients are there for another pandemic. Detecting it early is critically important.”
The virus is primarily spread by migratory birds, which can carry the virus without becoming sick. These birds then transmit the virus to domestic poultry and livestock, including dairy cows. As bird flu continues to spread through both poultry and livestock, authorities are especially vigilant in monitoring farms and facilities that may be at risk.
Risks Beyond Poultry
While the threat of human infection remains low, there is concern over transmission from animals to humans, particularly among those in close contact with infected animals, such as farm workers. Dr. Mills explains, “We are looking at genetic sequencing to see what gene mutations are being seen. The virus does seem to be evolving… to where there could be more human-to-human transmission.”
Additionally, there have been cases of domestic and feral cats contracting bird flu after consuming infected raw pet food. The CDC has advised pet owners to avoid feeding raw pet food as a precaution against bird flu and other pathogens.
The Importance of Pasteurization
As the bird flu spreads through poultry and dairy cows, the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued guidance to avoid raw milk. Dr. Mills emphasizes, “Pasteurization was developed in the 1800s and has kept many people healthy. It kills pathogens like E. coli, listeria, salmonella, and avian flu.”
Pasteurizing milk eliminates the bird flu virus and other potentially harmful bacteria. The CDC and FDA recommend that dairy farmers who sell raw milk adopt pasteurization procedures to protect consumers from illness.
Preparing for the Future
Public health experts are preparing for the possibility that bird flu could spread more widely. While the current risk of a major pandemic is low, Dr. Mills notes, “The surveillance is showing a cautionary tale… There’s a low risk right now for it becoming a major pandemic, but certainly the risk has gone up.”
Vaccines for the H5N1 strain are being developed, and if the virus becomes more widespread, a separate vaccine may be necessary, much like the response to the H1N1 pandemic in 2009.
A Call to Action
For Catholics, this outbreak calls for reflection on how we can protect both our health and the health of animals. Simple actions such as avoiding raw milk and raw pet food, supporting safe and humane farming practices, and staying informed about public health measures are practical steps to help prevent the spread of bird flu.
This is also a time to pray for protection and wisdom as we navigate this situation, trusting in God’s guidance to lead us to the best course of action. As Dr. Mills reminds us, “The surveillance is showing a cautionary tale,” which calls for vigilance and preparedness.
By remaining cautious and compassionate, we fulfill our responsibility to protect life and dignity while trusting in God’s providence.
