Avian Influenza H5N1 Spreads to U.S. Dairy Cows, Infects Over 90 Million Birds and People

May 28, 2024, 01:18 AM

The avian influenza virus, type A H5N1, has spread to dairy cows in the United States, raising concerns about a potential new pandemic. Health experts assure the public that milk and other dairy products remain safe to consume, with one major exception. However, the virus has been found in beef tissue and has almost certainly infected more than two people. Protecting dairy workers from further spread is crucial to containing the outbreak. The United States and Europe are taking steps to acquire or manufacture H5N1 vaccines to protect at-risk poultry and dairy workers, veterinarians, and lab technicians. The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively involved in global influenza surveillance and response efforts. The outbreak has also affected more than 90 million birds, including some in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties in Florida.