Scientists at Ohio State University have identified a strain of influenza found primarily in cattle and pigs that could potentially spread to humans as a contagious respiratory flu, according to research reported by WUKY 91.3 FM. The findings raise concerns about the zoonotic transmission of animal viruses to human populations, particularly among livestock workers and those in close contact with infected animals. The research suggests that under certain conditions, the virus could adapt to spread between humans, similar to how other influenza strains have emerged as pandemic threats in the past. The research comes amid ongoing monitoring of influenza variants in agricultural settings. Kentucky, with its substantial cattle and livestock industry, could face implications if such transmission occurs. Agricultural workers and veterinarians represent populations at heightened risk for initial exposure to animal-origin viruses. The Ohio State University team’s findings add to growing scientific literature on the potential for animal influenza strains to cross species barriers. Public health officials have long identified livestock-to-human transmission as a significant pandemic risk, with several previous influenza pandemics originating from animal sources. Further research is expected to determine the specific conditions required for human transmission and to identify potential preventive measures. The study underscores the importance of monitoring influenza activity in agricultural populations and maintaining robust surveillance systems for emerging infectious diseases. This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from WUKY 91.3 FM. The original source is available at https://www.wuky.org/wuky-news/2026-05-23/scientists-say-cattle-virus-could-be-transmitted-to-humans. The post Cattle virus could spread to humans, researchers warn appeared first on The Lexington Times. ...read more read less