Dallas, Texas – A groundbreaking discovery by the Biological Threat Research Laboratory (BTRL) at Texas Tech University has shed light on the transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) from a dairy cow to a human. This milestone marks a significant advancement in unraveling the complexities of virus transmission, leading to swift collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further research and response efforts.
The case, outlined in a recent article published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, highlights the crucial role played by experts at the Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) and the BTRL. Co-authored by Steve Presley, the TIEHH director, and Cynthia Reinoso Webb, the biological threat coordinator at TIEHH, the journal publication outlines the sequence of events that led to the identification of this unique transmission.
In March, a farm worker with no history of contact with sick birds but regular interaction with dairy cattle exhibited symptoms consistent with influenza A. Samples collected by the regional health department were swiftly tested at the BTRL, an essential component of the CDC’s Laboratory Response Network-Biological (LRN-B) located at TIEHH, confirming the presence of HPAI A (H5N1).
Presley emphasized the significance of this finding, stating, “It’s a huge thing that the virus has crossed from birds to mammals, specifically dairy cows, and then to humans.” This groundbreaking revelation is poised to lay a solid foundation for future research into the evolution of the virus and potential transmission avenues.
The Texas Tech BTRL’s pivotal role exemplifies the seamless collaboration between regional, state, and federal public health partners in responding to emerging biological threats. With a steadfast standby capability through the CDC LRN-B, the lab was able to swiftly address the needs of the regional public health authority, ensuring a rapid and efficient response to the evolving situation.
Reinoso Webb highlighted the critical nature of the lab’s rapid response, underscoring the importance of stringent safety measures and effective communication channels with the CDC. Despite the complexity of the case, the team’s dedication to following established protocols and maintaining open lines of communication with federal partners ensured a comprehensive and coordinated approach to handling the situation.
As the samples were expedited to the CDC for further analysis and confirmation, the collaborative efforts between Texas Tech’s BTRL and national health authorities underscored the importance of preparedness and effective response strategies in addressing emerging health threats. This groundbreaking discovery serves as a testament to the critical role played by research institutions and public health agencies in safeguarding public health and advancing our understanding of infectious diseases.