H5N1 Bird Flu Confirmed in 36 U.S. Dairy Herds Across Nine States, Human Case Detected

May 1, 2024, 02:30 PM

The H5N1 avian flu outbreak has significantly impacted the U.S., with the virus confirmed in 36 dairy cattle herds across nine states and one human case in Texas. Concerns have escalated due to the virus's spread from cows to cats, with several cats dying after showing symptoms shortly after the cattle; about half of the cats died. Federal health officials have stepped up safety measures, though they maintain that the public health risk remains low. The outbreak has prompted warnings against consuming raw milk and underlines the potential for wider transmission among mammals. Despite these measures, the situation has raised questions about the virus's ability to mutate and its implications for human health.