USDA official publications and press releases

H5N1 Bird Flu Hits 29 U.S. Dairy Farms; Calls for Congressional Funding

Apr 20, 2024, 04:50 PM

The spread of H5N1 bird flu in mammals, including dairy cattle, has raised significant concerns globally. The USDA has been criticized for not providing sufficient information about the outbreaks, which has hindered global response efforts. As of now, 29 dairy farms in the U.S. have reported cases of H5N1, with the virus also being found in Michigan. Health experts and scientists are urging for more transparency and data sharing to better assess the risk and manage the situation. The World Health Organization and other health bodies have emphasized the need for rapid vaccine development and improved diagnostics to address the outbreak effectively. Additionally, cow-to-cow transmission and cases in asymptomatic cows have been reported, highlighting the complexity of controlling the spread. Calls for Congressional funding to support vaccine development have been made to enhance response capabilities.