Since March 25th the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed detections of HPAI A (H5N1) in dairy herds in 8 States (ID, KS, MI, NC, NM, OH, SD, TX), with tests indicating it is the same strain and clade (H5N1, Eurasian lineage goose/Guangdong clade 2.3.4.4b) that has been circulating in US. This is the first time that bird flu viruses have been found in cattle. Wild birds are believed to be the source of infection though USDA has the possibility of transmission between cattle cannot be ruled out, citing the spread of illness among the Michigan herd.
Visit USDA’s HPAI Detections in Livestock landing page or updates on detections in dairy herds, epidemiological findings, and biosecurity guidance.
In April the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that a person in Texas had tested positive for HPAI A (H5N1). This individual, who had exposure to dairy cattle that were presumed to be infected, reported eye redness consistent with conjunctivitis as their only symptom and is recovering. The CDC’s risk assessment for the general public remains low. However, unprotected exposure to infected animals or environments contaminated by infected animals can increase the risk of infection.
Resources:
- APHIS Recommendations for HPAI H5N1 Virus in Livestock for State Animal Health Officials, Accredited Veterinarians and Producers
- Current H5N1 Bird Flu Situation in Mammals (CDC)
- Detections of HPAI (USDA):
- Wild Birds (includes Captive Wild Birds)
- Commercial and Backyard Flocks
- Mammals
- Livestock
- Highlights in the History of Avian Influenza Timeline (CDC)
News:
- Federal and State Veterinary, Public Health Agencies Share Update on HPAI Detection in Kansas, Texas Dairy Herds
- USDA, FDA and CDC Share Update on HPAI Detections in Dairy Cattle
- HPAI A (H5N1) Virus Infection Reported in a Person in the U.S.
- USDA Confirms HPAI in Dairy Herd in New Mexico
- USDA Confirms HPAI in Dairy Herd in Idaho