Scientists finally solved how H5N1 bird flu hid in dairy cows

Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh have explained why avian influenza H5N1 behaves differently in dairy cattle than in other mammals. The virus primarily attacks the udders of cows rather than the lungs, causing an inflammatory disease called necrotizing mastitis. The research team discovered that H5N1 binds only to a specific receptor subtype known as N-linked sialic acid receptors, which are abundant in udder tissue but nearly absent in airway tissue. The outbreak first emerged in the Texas Panhandle in early 2024 and spread between herds through milk. Scientists emphasize that pasteurization effectively destroys the virus and raw milk is dangerous. These findings could help scientists predict how H5N1 will behave if it spreads to other animal species in the future.