Official regulations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture

H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads to U.S. Dairy Cows, Third Human Case Reported in Texas Panhandle

May 28, 2024, 10:21 AM

The avian influenza virus H5N1 has spread to dairy cows in the United States, leading to increased concern among health officials. The virus, known for causing severe neurological disease in mammals, has been detected in cows, with at least two human infections reported. This marks the third human case of H5N1 in the U.S. Health experts assure that dairy products remain safe to consume, except for certain exceptions. The virus's ability to infect mammalian hosts, including cows and alpacas, has prompted the U.S. and Europe to consider acquiring or manufacturing vaccines for at-risk workers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is enhancing its surveillance efforts to monitor the outbreak and prevent a potential pandemic. The outbreak was first detected in the Texas Panhandle, with early signs coming from fitness trackers on dairy cows. The PB2-M631L mutation in the virus increases its replication in human cells. Federal officials confirmed that the commercial meat supply remains safe, despite the detection of the virus in a dairy cow's muscle on May 16.