USDA and CDC research publications

US Faces Avian Flu Outbreak in Dairy Cows Across Nine States, CDC Issues Warning After Second Human Case

May 24, 2024, 07:25 PM

The United States is grappling with a significant outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) that has now spread to dairy cows across nine states, including Michigan, Texas, and Colorado. The outbreak has prompted the CDC to issue a transmission warning and to prepare for a potential increased risk to human health. Two human cases have been confirmed, both involving dairy farm workers who developed eye infections after exposure to the virus. Approximately 350 exposed farm workers are being monitored. The USDA has confirmed 63 infected herds and has expanded its support for affected dairy producers. Testing has revealed that no meat from infected cows has entered the food supply. Health officials are utilizing innovative methods, such as scanning sewage and using advanced fitness trackers on cows, to track the spread of the virus. Despite the outbreak, the CDC considers the current risk to the general public to be low.