Bird flu update; service dogs for service members; syringe recall – Morning Medical Update

Bird flu spreading?

The H5N1 avian influenza virus has transmitted from birds to at least 67 dairy cattle herds in nine states, as of May 28, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It appears the bird flu virus is transmitting from dairy cows to at least two people associated with those farms. The patients are recovering, but experts say there’s not enough surveillance taking place. JAMA has this primer on what to know about the recent cases.

Vets, pets and PTSD

Serving our nation is a noble cause, and it can be a stressful one. An estimated 23% of America’s warriors face post-traumatic stress disorder from their tours of duty after 9/11. Service dogs may be good medicine for service members and veterans healing those internal scars, according to a new study funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in JAMA Network Open.

Syringe recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week updated the recall initiated by Medline Industries LP, a company selling in the United States syringes made in China. Users should transition away from using the syringes due to performance testing failures.