A strain of influenza primarily found in cattle and pigs could potentially spread to humans as a contagious respiratory flu, according to new research from Ohio State University.

Cody Warren, an assistant professor in OSU's College of Veterinary Medicine and co-author of the study, said researchers found that strains of influenza D from cattle and pigs can replicate in human respiratory tract cells at the same level as influenza A, the virus that causes seasonal illness in humans.

“And what that suggests to us is that this virus really doesn't face those barriers to moving from animals to people because it seems already pre-adapted to efficiently grow in the human respiratory system,” Warren said.

Warren said the findings could pose a risk to farming communities or anywhere people come in close contact with cattle. Influenza D is already recognized as a cause of respiratory disease in cows and pigs.

The study was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Warren said that while there are vaccines and antibiotics for animals with bovine respiratory disease, there is no way to prevent viral transmission. He recommends personal protective equipment when handling farm animals.

“I think it'd be important to consider wearing masks in those scenarios,” Warren said. “As always, ensure proper hand hygiene and proper use of protective clothing when working with potentially diseased animals.”

Some studies estimate more than half of U.S. cattle have tested positive for influenza D antibodies, meaning they had the virus at some point.

Source: Public News Service