Italy is carrying out surveillance programs for H5N1 avian flu in cattle

Following the spread of the highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus (HPAI) on livestock farms in the United States (US), the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe) and the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia- Romagna (Izsler) have jointly agreed to organize experimental tests on cattle and raw milk in order to produce scientific data useful for risk assessment and accurate diagnosis, in case cases similar to those in the USA are detected in Italy. . These studies aim to improve existing knowledge and provide an effective and timely response in case of health risk using validated laboratory methods. Currently, there is no evidence of infection, even past infection, in the cattle population of Europe. To date, circulation of the H5N1 virus in dairy cows has only been reported in the US. SEROLOGICAL TESTS IN THE BOVINE POPULATION In recent weeks, the National Reference Center for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease (NRC AI/ND) of the ...