STM Daily News
Avian flu has infected dairy cows in more than a dozen states – a microbiologist explains how the virus is spreading
The H5N1 avian flu has spread from birds to dairy cows, causing significant outbreaks and posing risks to farm workers and other animals, though pasteurized milk remains safe.
Last Updated on September 21, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Jenna Guthmiller, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
The current strain of avian flu, H5N1, is responsible for the culling of millions of domestic birds and has sickened more than a dozen farmworkers in 2024, most recently in Colorado.
The Conversation U.S. asked immunologist and microbiologist Jenna Guthmiller from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to explain the historical roots of H5N1, its mode of transmission and how to avoid coming into contact with it.
What is H5N1?
H5N1 is a subtype of influenza A viruses. Other commonly known influenza A virus subtypes include H1N1 and H3N2, which cause seasonal outbreaks in humans.
Unlike H1N1 and H3N2, H5N1 largely infects wild birds, with waterfowl such as ducks and geese being the natural reservoirs for H5N1 viruses. Most H5N1 viruses are highly pathogenic avian influenza, meaning spillovers into other bird populations can lead to high mortality rates, including domesticated poultry.
H5N1 viruses were first identified in 1959 due to an outbreak in domesticated chickens in Scotland. In 1996, waterfowl were identified as the natural reservoir for H5N1.
Since its identification, H5N1 viruses have led to four major outbreaks: in 1997, 2003-2005, 2015 and 2021-to-present. The outbreaks in 1997 and 2003-2005 led to substantial spillover to humans.
Since 2003, nearly 900 H5N1 infections in humans have been recorded. Of those infections, more than half were fatal.
Where did H5N1 originate?
The current outbreak of H5N1 started in late 2021 and derives from the virus that caused a major outbreak in 2015.
Since 2021, H5N1 strains have spread to six continents by migratory birds. Spillover to domestic poultry has led to the culling of millions of domestic birds
Researchers have documented the current H5N1 strain in numerous mammals, with it largely affecting aquatic mammals like seals and scavenger mammals. Sporadic spillover to domestic mammals has been recorded, including to minks, goats and alpacas.
In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported an outbreak of H5N1 in lactating dairy cows. As of Aug. 27, 192 herds in 13 states have been confirmed H5N1 positive.
Dairy cow-associated H5N1 viruses have since jumped back into wild birds, and recent outbreaks in domestic poultry resembled H5N1 in dairy cows. Between May and July 2024, 13 confirmed H5N1 infections have occurred in humans, with all cases directly linked to dairy farms and poultry culling. https://www.youtube.com/embed/jhKI2Zskplg?wmode=transparent&start=0 The concern is that the virus could evolve to allow human-to-human transmission.
Why did the avian flu become more widespread?
It is unclear why H5N1 has become such a widespread problem. H5N1, like all influenza viruses, rapidly mutates to infect new hosts. However, H5N1 has several features that could increase its host range.
First, H5N1 viruses use a protein called hemagglutinin that allows H5N1 to infect with new hosts.
Second, my research group identified a mutation in H5N1 viruses causing the dairy cow outbreak that allows hemagglutinin to bind to its receptor more efficiently.
Lastly, H5N1 viruses are mutating genes associated with replication and immune evasion that are known to increase the infection of mammals.
Together, these factors could heighten H5N1 transmission and increase H5N1 spillover to mammals.
How is the strain transmitted to dairy cattle?
H5N1 viruses are largely causing infections in the mammary glands of cattle rather than the respiratory tract, which is the main site of infection for other influenza viruses in mammals. Recent studies have shown that the mammary tissue has receptors for H5N1, which could make this tissue susceptible to infection.
Since the infection is largely restricted to the mammary glands, researchers believe that H5N1 is being transmitted to cows by contaminated milk equipment, particularly the milking apparatus that attaches to the cow udders. Transmission across farms is due to infected cattle movement and shared equipment and personnel across dairy farms.
To reduce transmission, in April 2024, the USDA put in testing requirements for when cows are transported across state lines. In addition, Colorado, the state with the greatest number of positive herds, requires weekly testing on farms to identify infected herds.
What are the risks to people and other animals?
H5N1 does not pose a risk to the general public, as this virus is not known to transmit between people. As all known cases were those with direct contact with infected animals, people with occupational exposure to H5N1-infected cows and poultry continue to be at the greatest risk of infection.
People with occupational hazards should be aware of the H5N1 symptoms – similar to those of a cold – such as congestion, sore throat and fatigue, as well as conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye. For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage on avian influenza in people.
Domestic and wild animals near dairy farms are at high risk of infection. Particularly, barn cats that have been fed raw milk have been reported dead on dairy farms with infected cows, with these animals coming back positive for H5N1.
In addition, spillover of H5N1 to other domesticated farm animals near infected dairy cows has been recorded.
What are the best ways to keep farm workers safe?
Using personal protective equipment, such as goggles and gloves, remains the best way to prevent the transmission of H5N1 to humans and from humans back to animals. People working around poultry or dairy cattle should also be aware of biosecurity measures, such as not wearing the same clothes and boots when traveling from one farm to another.
Is drinking dairy milk a concern?
As long as you are consuming pasteurized milk products, there are no concerns for infections in humans. Pasteurization is very effective at killing any H5N1 virus that ends up in milk.
People should avoid raw or unpasteurized milk, as H5N1 virus has been found at very high levels in raw milk.
Jenna Guthmiller, Assistant Professor of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
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Economy
Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines to Combine: A Bigger, More Competitive Leisure Airline Takes Shape
Allegiant and Sun Country announced a merger that would create a larger leisure-focused airline serving 22 million customers, nearly 175 cities, and 650+ routes—plus expanded international access and loyalty benefits.
Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines are planning to merge in a deal that would create one of the most significant leisure-focused airline platforms in the United States—one built around flexible capacity, underserved markets, and price-sensitive travelers.
Announced January 11, 2026, the definitive merger agreement calls for Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) to acquire Sun Country (NASDAQ: SNCY) in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at an implied $18.89 per Sun Country share. If approved by regulators and shareholders, the combined company would serve roughly 22 million annual customers, fly to nearly 175 cities, operate 650+ routes, and manage a fleet of about 195 aircraft.
For travelers, the headline is simple: more leisure routes, more destination options, and a larger loyalty ecosystem. For the economy—especially in regions that rely on affordable air access—the bigger story is how consolidation among niche carriers could reshape competition, connectivity, and regional tourism.
Deal snapshot: how the merger is structured
Under the agreement, Sun Country shareholders would receive 0.1557 shares of Allegiant common stock plus $4.10 in cash for each Sun Country share. The offer represents a 19.8% premium over Sun Country’s closing price on January 9, 2026, according to the companies.
The transaction values Sun Country at approximately $1.5 billion, including $0.4 billion of net debt. After closing, Allegiant shareholders would own about 67% of the combined company, with Sun Country shareholders owning about 33% on a fully diluted basis.
The companies expect the deal to close in the second half of 2026, pending federal antitrust clearance, other regulatory approvals, and shareholder votes.
Why this combination matters in the leisure travel market
Allegiant and Sun Country are both known for leisure-first strategies, but they’ve historically approached the market from different angles:
- Allegiant has built its brand around connecting small and mid-sized cities to vacation destinations—often with nonstop, limited-frequency routes designed to match demand.
- Sun Country has operated more like a hybrid low-cost carrier, balancing scheduled passenger service with charter flying and a major cargo business.
In the press release, Allegiant CEO Gregory C. Anderson framed the merger as a natural fit between two “flexible” models designed to adjust quickly to demand. Sun Country CEO Jude Bricker emphasized the airline’s Minnesota roots and its diversified approach across passenger, charter, and cargo.
In a travel economy where consumer demand can swing quickly—fuel prices, inflation, seasonal travel surges, and shifting vacation trends all matter—flexibility is a competitive advantage. This merger is essentially a bet that scale plus adaptability can outperform traditional network strategies in the leisure segment.
What travelers could see: routes, destinations, and loyalty upgrades
The companies are pitching the merger as a way to expand choice without changing how customers book in the short term.
More routes and more nonstop options
The combined network would include 650+ routes, including 551 Allegiant routes and 105 Sun Country routes. The idea is that the two networks complement each other: Allegiant’s smaller-market footprint plus Sun Country’s strength in larger cities.
One specific promise: the merger would connect Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP) more directly to Allegiant’s mid-sized markets, while also expanding service to popular vacation destinations.
Expanded international reach
Sun Country’s existing international network would give Allegiant customers access to 18 international destinationsacross Mexico, Central America, Canada, and the Caribbean.
For leisure travelers, that’s a meaningful shift—especially for customers in smaller cities who may currently need multiple connections (or higher fares) to reach international vacation spots.
A bigger loyalty program
The companies say the combined loyalty program would be larger and more flexible, adding Sun Country’s 2+ million members to Allegiant’s 21 million member base.
In practical terms, travelers should expect more ways to earn and redeem rewards—though the real value will depend on how the programs are integrated and what benefits survive the merger.
The economic angle: competition, regional access, and tourism dollars
This announcement lands in a broader conversation about airline consolidation and what it means for consumers and communities.
On one hand, a larger leisure-focused airline could:
- Increase air service options in underserved markets
- Improve seasonal connectivity to tourism hubs
- Support local economies that depend on visitor spending
On the other hand, consolidation can also raise concerns about:
- Reduced competition on certain routes
- Pricing power in smaller markets
- Fewer independent carriers fighting for leisure travelers
The companies argue the merger will create a “more competitive” leisure airline, not less. That claim will likely be tested during antitrust review—especially on routes where Allegiant and Sun Country overlap or where one carrier’s presence is a key source of low fares.
Cargo and charter: the less flashy, more stabilizing part of the deal
One of the most important (and most overlooked) parts of this merger is the emphasis on diversified operations.
Sun Country brings a major cargo business, including a multi-year agreement with Amazon Prime Air, plus charter contracts with casinos, Major League Soccer, collegiate sports teams, and the Department of Defense. Allegiant also has an existing charter business.
From an economic standpoint, these contract-driven revenue streams matter because they can:
- Smooth out seasonal swings in leisure demand
- Improve aircraft and crew utilization year-round
- Reduce exposure to consumer travel slowdowns
If the combined company can balance leisure flying with cargo and charter commitments, it may be better positioned to maintain service levels—even when discretionary travel dips.
Financial expectations: synergies, EPS, and fleet scale
Allegiant expects the merger to generate $140 million in annual synergies by year three after closing. The deal is also expected to be accretive to earnings per share (EPS) in year one post-closing.
The combined airline would operate about 195 aircraft, with 30 on order and 80 additional options. The companies also highlight the benefit of operating both Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and the ability to better utilize Allegiant’s 737 MAX fleet and order book.
For investors, the message is scale plus efficiency. For travelers and local economies, the question is whether those efficiencies translate into more routes, better reliability, and sustained low fares.
What happens next: timeline and what won’t change immediately
Even if the deal closes, Allegiant says both airlines will operate separately until they receive a single operating certificate from the FAA.
That means:
- No immediate changes to ticketing or schedules
- No immediate changes to the Sun Country brand
- Customers can continue booking and flying as they do today
The combined company would remain headquartered in Las Vegas, while maintaining a “significant presence” in Minneapolis–St. Paul.
Bottom line
If approved, the Allegiant–Sun Country merger would create a scaled leisure airline with a broader route map, expanded international access, and a loyalty program that reaches tens of millions of travelers.
For the U.S. travel economy, the deal is also a signal: the leisure segment—once treated like a niche—is becoming a battleground where scale, flexibility, and diversified revenue (cargo and charter) could define the next era of competition.
As regulators review the merger and the companies move toward a second-half 2026 closing, travelers and communities will be watching for the real-world impact: more service, more destinations, and whether “affordable leisure travel” stays affordable.
Quick facts (from the announcement)
- Deal announced: January 11, 2026
- Structure: cash + stock
- Implied value per Sun Country share: $18.89
- Premium: 19.8% over Jan. 9, 2026 close
- Combined scale: 22M annual customers, ~175 cities, 650+ routes, ~195 aircraft
- Expected synergies: $140M annually by year 3 post-close
- Expected close: second half of 2026 (subject to approvals)
For readers tracking the business side: Allegiant and Sun Country scheduled an investor conference call for Monday, January 12, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, with a webcast posted via Allegiant’s investor relations site.
Related Links
- Allegiant Investor Relations (conference call/webcast info)
- SoaringForLeisure.com (transaction website)
- Allegiant SEC Filings
- Sun Country SEC Filings
SOURCE Allegiant Travel Company
Stay with STM Daily News: We’ll keep tracking this story as it develops—regulatory approvals, route updates, loyalty program changes, and what it could mean for travelers and the broader U.S. travel economy. For the latest coverage, visit https://stmdailynews.com.
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STM Blog
Why Gen Z and millennial consumers feel disillusioned — and how they can drive real change
Many Gen Z shoppers express frustration that their values around climate action, racial justice, and corporate ethics are often overlooked, leading to skepticism about the efficacy of individual actions like ethical consumption. Instead, a focus on collective action and civic engagement, alongside strategic purchasing, may foster more meaningful change.
Eugene Y. Chan, Toronto Metropolitan University
Walk into any classroom, scroll through TikTok or sit in on a Gen Z focus group, and you’ll hear a familiar refrain: “We care, but nothing changes.”
Across climate action, racial justice and corporate ethics, many young people feel their values are out of sync with the systems around them and are skeptical that their voices, votes and dollars alone can address deep systemic problems.
If you feel this way, you’re not alone. But are young consumers truly powerless? Or are they simply navigating a new kind of influence that’s more diffuse, digital and demanding in ways previous generations did not experience?
No one’s 20s and 30s look the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.
Read more from Quarter Life:
- Feel like you can’t get a job? You’re not alone — but here’s how to work around it
- Moving abroad in your 20s can leave you with two identities – here’s how to cope
- ‘I have multiple side-hustles … It’s exhausting’: the challenges facing young freelance creatives
The rise of political consumerism
Political consumerism — the act of buying or boycotting products for political or ethical reasons — is on the rise among younger generations.
A 2023 study found that 81 per cent of Gen Z consumers report changing purchasing decisions based on a brand’s reputation or actions, with 53 per cent having participated in economic boycotts.
A 2022 meta-analysis of 66 studies found that political consumerism is strongly associated with liberal ideology, political interest and media use. In other words, young people who are politically engaged are increasingly using their wallets to express their values.
For many young people, consumption is increasingly an expression of identity and belief. The rise of “lifestyle politics” involves a shift from traditional forms of participation like voting or protesting to everyday acts. For many Gen Z and millennial consumers, what you buy is who you are.
The limits of ethical consumption
Yet enthusiasm for ethical consumption often meets frustration. Consumers frequently encounter greenwashing, performative allyship and corporate backpedalling.
And if everyone’s “voting with their dollar,” why does so little seem to change? The answer lies in understanding the limits and leverage of consumer power.
Individual action alone isn’t enough. Buying ethically can feel good, but it rarely moves the needle on its own. Research suggests political polarization has made brand preferences more ideologically charged, but also more fragmented. A progressive boycott might spark headlines, but unless it’s sustained and widespread, it often fizzles out.
At the same time, enthusiasm for ethical consumption often runs into practical limits. Buying ethically usually requires extra money and the ability to research brands, so it tends to be most accessible to people with disposable income and good access to information. This means that while many young people strongly support ethical consumption, only those with sufficient financial resources are able to practice it consistently.
Where individual choices fall short, collective action can be more impactful. Co-ordinated campaigns like #GrabYourWallet, which targets companies linked to Donald Trump, or the youth-led push to divest university endowments from fossil fuels demonstrate the power of organized consumer advocacy.
Voting still matters
Consumer activism complements, but does not substitute, traditional civic engagement. Policy shapes markets, regulation sets boundaries for what companies can get away with and elected officials determine what corporations can and cannot do.
Yet voter turnout among young Canadians remains stubbornly low. In the 2021 federal election, only 46.7 per cent of eligible voters aged 18 to 24 cast a ballot, compared to 74.4 per cent of those aged 65 to 74.
In the United States 2020 presidential election, turnout among 18- to 34-year-olds was 57 per cent compared to 74 per cent for those 65 and older.
Simiarly, in the United Kingdom’s 2019 general election, only 53.6 per cent of 18- to 34-year-olds voted versus 77 per cent of those 65 and older, showing the same generational gap seen in Canada where older voters consistently out-participate younger ones.
If young people want to influence climate policy, housing or student debt, the ballot box remains one of their most potent tools.
What actually makes a difference?
So how can young consumers move from performative gestures to meaningful change? Evidence suggests several ways young consumers can translate values into tangible change:
1. Support worker-led movements.
Rather than just boycotting a brand, consider supporting the workers organizing within it. Whether it’s Starbucks baristas unionizing for better labour conditions or garment workers demanding fair wages, consumer solidarity can amplify their efforts. Share their stories and respect their asks so you don’t cross picket lines, including when to boycott and when to buy.
2. Push for policy, not just products.
Advocate for systemic change such as supply chain transparency laws, supporting living wage campaigns or demanding climate disclosures from corporations. When consumer sentiment aligns with regulatory pressure, companies are far more likely to act.
3. Invest in local and co-operative alternatives.
Not all change comes from pressuring big brands. Sometimes, it’s about supporting local businesses, worker co-ops and social enterprises that embed ethics into their structure. These alternatives demonstrate what’s possible and keep money circulating in communities.
4. Educate, organize, repeat.
Change is slow. It requires patience, persistence and people power. It involves educating peers, organizing campaigns and staying engaged even after media cycles fade. Montréal teenager Fatih Amin exemplifies this approach, having built a climate movement through poster campaigns, recycling competitions and Gen Z-focused conferences.
From cynicism to agency
It’s easy to feel cynical. The problems are big, the systems are entrenched and the stakes are high. But young people aren’t powerless. They’re navigating a landscape in which influence is less about individualism and more about strategic, collective action.
Political consumerism is most effective when paired with civic engagement and organizational membership. That means joining movements, building coalitions and recognizing that real change rarely comes from the checkout line alone.
So while individual choices matter, they are most effective when combined with collective action and civic engagement. If you’re seeking meaningful change, you must combine purchasing choices with organized campaigns, policy advocacy and voting.
Eugene Y. Chan, Marketing Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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actors & performers
‘Sanford and Son’ Star Demond Wilson Dead at 79, Report Says
Demond Wilson, known for his role as Lamont Sanford on the classic sitcom “Sanford and Son,” has passed away at 79 from cancer complications. He contributed significantly to television and film, also serving as an ordained minister. Wilson is survived by his wife and six children.
Last Updated on February 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
HOLLYWOOD — Demond Wilson, best known for playing Lamont Sanford opposite Redd Foxx on the 1970s sitcom “Sanford and Son,” has died, according to TMZ. He was 79.
Wilson died Friday morning at his Palm Springs home from complications related to cancer, TMZ reported, citing his son, Demond Wilson Jr. The family did not specify what type of cancer he had.
Demond Wilson Dies in Palm Springs at 79, TMZ Reports – STM Daily News Podcast
Wilson starred on “Sanford and Son” from 1972 to 1977, playing the grounded, often-exasperated son to Foxx’s junkyard owner Fred Sanford. The show became a defining sitcom of its era, known for Foxx’s catchphrases and Wilson’s straight-man timing.
After “Sanford and Son,” Wilson appeared in series including “Baby … I’m Back,”“The New Odd Couple,”and guest-starred on shows such as “All in the Family,”“The Love Boat,” and “Girlfriends.” His film credits included “The Organization” (1971) and “Me and the Kid” (1993).
Born Grady Demond Wilson in Valdosta, Georgia, on Oct. 13, 1946, he was raised in Harlem and began acting as a child, later studying at the American Community Theater and Hunter College. He also served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968, where he was wounded.
In later years, Wilson became an ordained minister and focused on faith-based outreach and reentry support work, founding Restoration House of America in 1994.
He is survived by his wife of more than 51 years, Cicely Loise Johnston, and their six children.
Sources:
- https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/demond-wilson-dead-lamont-sanford-and-son-1236647050/
- https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/demond-wilson-dead-sanford-son-153658639.html
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