By Madeline HalpertBBC News1 April 2024Image supply, Getty ImagesImage caption, Hen flu could be deadly in poultry however seems to be much less harmful for cattleA individual in Texas has examined optimistic for chook flu, the second US human case of the virus that has contaminated herds of dairy cows in latest weeks. State well being officers stated the affected person had skilled eye redness after coming into contact with sick cows. The chance to most people is low, specialists stated, however individuals ought to take precautions when round ailing animals.The Texas affected person is being handled with an antiviral drug and is isolating.Regardless of its identify, the virus will not be restricted to birds, and in latest weeks it has been detected in cows in a number of states, together with Texas, Kansas and Michigan. It doesn’t usually unfold to individuals, however human infections have occurred in uncommon instances all over the world.In individuals, the virus, also referred to as avian flu, may cause signs that vary from gentle sickness, reminiscent of higher respiratory and eye infections, to extreme illness reminiscent of pneumonia that may be deadly, in accordance with the Facilities for Illness Management (CDC).The primary human case of H5N1 chook flu within the US occurred in 2022 in Colorado, when an individual grew to become ailing after direct publicity to poultry presumed to be contaminated. That individual skilled fatigue for a couple of days and made a full restoration. Whereas avian flu is commonly deadly in poultry, it has been much less deadly for cattle. The CDC advises individuals to keep away from publicity to sick or lifeless animals together with wild birds, poultry and cattle. The company additionally says individuals mustn’t eat raw or undercooked associated meals merchandise reminiscent of unpasteurized milk and cheeses.