A new variant of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza — commonly known as bird flu — has been detected in Nevada, first in cows and later in a dairy worker, raising concerns about the virus’s spread.

Additionally, three veterinarians specializing in cattle have tested positive for bird flu despite presenting zero symptoms. One worked in two different states without any reported infections in those areas.

As bird flu continues to circulate among wild birds and domestic livestock, public health officials are increasingly concerned about the potential for the virus to become transmissible among humans and potentially cause an epidemic. 

So far, humans have only contracted bird flu from contact with infected animals and cannot pass the virus to other humans.