Bird Flu Detected in Dutch Cow, Marking Europe’s First Case

Avian or bird flu (H5N1) is a viral infection that spreads in birds, cows and other animals and can cause severe illness and at times, be fatal to humans in rare cases. Until now, the flu primarily affected wild aquatic birds including ducks, geese, gulls and poultry such as chickens as well as turkeys. However earlier this month, a dairy cow in the Netherlands appears to have been contracted bird flu, making this the first time cattle outside of the United States has suffered the infection. Previously, transmission of avian flu from cattle to humans has only been reported in the US among farm workers exposed to infected cattle or contaminated environments, and such cases remain sporadic and all developed only mild symptoms.How Was The Cow Infected?According to a detailed letter from the Dutch agriculture minister, a cat on a dairy farm in the province of Friesland died from H5N1 last month, which prompted officials to sample blood and milk from cattle at the farm.Out of the 20 tested, one cow had antibodies to the virus in its milk but did not test positive for the virus itself. “There are also no signs of avian influenza spreading to other dairy farms,” the minister wrote.The cow had mastitis and respiratory problems last month and its milk was not processed, the letter stated. Also, milk from the farm had been pasteurized, which inactivates the virus and prevents it being transmitted to humans. “This means that there is very little chance that virus from the infected cow has ended up in the milk for human consumption,” the minister assured. It remains unclear how the virus arrived at the farm or how the cat and cow became infected.Since October 2025, more than three dozen farms in the Netherlands have had outbreaks and over 1.5 million chickens, turkeys and ducks have been killed to stop the virus’ spread. Is Bird Flu Dangerous For Humans?Even though birds are the primary hosts for avian influenza viruses, certain strains can cross species barriers and infect humans and other animals, sometimes causing severe illness.The H5N1 strain drew worldwide concern in the early 2000s because of its high fatality rate in infected people. Although sustained human-to-human transmission is uncommon, infection can occur through close contact with sick or dead birds, their droppings, or contaminated environments. Bird flu has posed major challenges for both the poultry industry and public health systems, with outbreaks often resulting in large-scale culling to limit the spread.India has experienced recurring avian influenza outbreaks, particularly in regions with dense poultry farming. Even with strict control measures in birds, the risk of human infection persists, making awareness, hygiene practices, and preventive steps essential for protecting public health. The common ways humans can contract the virus include:Direct contact with infected birds: Handling sick or dead birds, cleaning poultry farms, or working in live bird markets increases the riskExposure to contaminated surfaces: The virus can survive on surfaces such as bird cages, equipment, and clothing. Touching these and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth can lead to infectionConsumption of undercooked poultry or eggs: While properly cooked poultry is safe, raw or undercooked meat and eggs from infected birds may pose a riskAirborne transmission in poultry farms: In rare cases, workers in enclosed spaces with infected birds may inhale tiny virus-laden particles

Bird Flu Detected in Dutch Cow, Marking Europe’s First Case

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