Overview

• Bird flu, officially known as HPAI, has spread to dairy cows in six states, including Idaho, Michigan, New Mexico, and Ohio, with evidence suggesting possible cow-to-cow transmission.
• The virus strain in Michigan is similar to those found in Texas and Kansas, likely introduced by wild birds, with no current changes making it more transmissible to humans.
• Federal and state officials are investigating the outbreak, which has caused decreased milk production and appetite among affected cows, though most recover after isolation.
• The commercial milk supply remains safe for consumption as infected or exposed milk is diverted or destroyed, and pasteurization inactivates the virus.
• This is the first time dairy cows in the U.S. have been sickened by bird flu, raising concerns about the virus spreading to other species, including humans.