HPAI H5N1 Virus in Dairy Cattle – What We Know

In March 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, was confirmed in domestic U.S. livestock for the first time in a dairy operation in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread to 34 dairy operations across nine states, raising widespread uncertainty throughout the dairy and livestock markets. Industry participants have raised concerns about the outbreak's potential impact on consumer perception and demand for dairy and meat products, though government agencies reiterate that the national food supply remains safe. Urner Barry is closely monitoring the situation...

USDA Issues FAQ on Federal Order Requiring Bird Flu Testing in Dairy Cattle

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a Federal Order requiring mandatory testing of lactating dairy cattle for bird flu before interstate movement. Effective Monday, April 29, 2024, the order also mandates reporting positive influenza A test results in livestock to USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). 

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) causes less severe illness in cattle than in poultry, in which the virus is typically fatal, but remains a concern for livestock and humans who come into contact with infected animals...

USDA Actions to Protect Livestock Health From Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza

To further protect the U.S. livestock industry from the threat posed by highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, USDA is sharing a number of actions that we are taking with our federal partners to help us get ahead of this disease and limit its spread.

Today, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a Federal Order requiring the following measures, effective Monday, April 29, 2024:

Mandatory Testing for Interstate Movement of Dairy Cattle

• Prior to interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive...

Cow-to-Cow Transmission Confirmed as a Factor in Spread of H5N1

In an update provided by the USDA, the agency confirmed that cow-to-cow transmission is a factor in the spread of H5N1 bird flu in dairy herds.

However, it remains unclear exactly how the virus is being moved around. “We know that the virus is shed in milk at high concentrations; therefore, anything that comes in contact with unpasteurized milk, spilled milk, etc. may spread the virus,” explained the USDA.

The government stressed the importance of biosecurity, including the movement of people, animals, vehicles, and...

USDA’s APHIS Answers Questions on Detection of HPAI in Dairy Cattle

Following the recent string of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detections in dairy herds in several states, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the rapidly evolving situation.

As of Apil 3, 2024, six states have confirmed cases of HPAI in domestic livestock. The first confirmation was on March 25 in dairy milking cattle in Texas. Since then, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Idaho, and Ohio have also reported HPAI in dairy cattle herds.

Below are some of the questions...

Second US Human Case of Avian Influenza H5N1 Linked to Dairy Cattle Exposure Confirmed

The United States has just confirmed a new case of a person testing positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus in Texas, the country's second human case since a previous incident in Colorado in 2022. The patient had been exposed to dairy cattle presumed to be infected with H5N1, raising concerns amongst the livestock sector and related businesses. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains the risk to the general public as low...

State Officials Report Human Case of Bird Flu in Texas, Second Ever in U.S. History

State officials Monday reported the first human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) in Texas, marking the second-ever human case of H5N1 flu, or HPAI, in the United States and the first tied to exposure to cattle. 

The individual in Texas had been in direct contact with dairy cattle thought to be infected with avian influenza. The person, who had testing performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) over the weekend, exhibited eye inflammation as their only symptom and is being treated with the antiviral drug oseltamivir. The risk to the general public remains low, said the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)...

Bird Flu Detected in Several U.S. Commercial Turkey Flocks Last Week

Last week, several commercial turkey operations spanning four states reported positive detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. 

HPAI can be spread by direct or indirect contact with infected domestic or wild birds including ducks and geese. The disease can also be spread by contact with the virus on surfaces such as hands, shoes, clothing, and animal fur.

Poultry owners are urged to increase their biosecurity practices to protect their flocks, especially with fall migration underway.

California 

On October 26, HPAI was detected in...

Brazil Confirms First Case of HPAI in a Poultry Farm

Brazilian authorities Tuesday confirmed the detection of a first case of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a bird farm in the municipality of Serra, in the State of Espírito Santo. The farm where the outbreak was confirmed belongs to a smallholder who raises chickens, ducks, and geese.

The country’s Ministry of Agriculture stressed that the case is isolated, and that Brazilian commercial poultry production remains safe.

In an interview with CNN, Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Fávaro, reaffirmed that there was no risk of the country...