H5N1 Bird Flu in 32 U.S. Dairy Herds, High Concern as Virus Found in Milk

Apr 19, 2024, 07:11 PM

The H5N1 bird flu outbreak has significantly impacted the U.S. dairy industry, with confirmed infections rising from 29 to 32 dairy cow herds across eight states. This situation escalated quickly, following initial reports of the virus in the nation's largest egg producer's chickens. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has acknowledged cow-to-cow transmission as a contributing factor to the spread, though the exact transmission mechanisms remain unclear. Additionally, the virus has been detected in very high concentrations in raw milk, marking a concerning development in the spread of H5N1. Health officials maintain that pasteurized milk is safe, but the presence of the virus in milk is alarming and poses potential risks for further spread to humans and other animals. Scientists are urging the USDA to release more data to better assess the risks, as the World Health Organization expresses great concern over these developments.