H5N1 bird flu variant detected in alpacas for the first time

WASHINGTON – Cases of bird flu have been found in alpacas at a United States’ farm, the authorities said on May 29, as the disease spreads widely among dairy cattle and

has infected two humans there

.

The US National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed a highly pathogenic variant of bird flu virus known as H5N1 was detected at an Idaho farm, from which infected poultry were removed in May, the US Agriculture Department said.

This detection is not surprising for several reasons, including the earlier infection at the farm, the department said.

Still, it is the first time the virus has been found in alpacas – members of the camel family that are native to the Andes and raised mainly for their fleece.

In recent weeks, the H5N1 variant has been detected in more than 50 animal species in the US, including dairy cows.

Two people working on farms have been found to have bird flu

, albeit with only mild symptoms.

Last week, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said its risk assessment for the public remained low, but it did suggest it expects more cases.

Experts have said they are worried by the growing number of mammals infected by bird flu even if cases among people remain rare.

There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission at present, but health officials fear that if the virus is to eventually spread widely, it can mutate into a form that can pass between humans. AFP