Bird Flu Outbreak Spreads to U.S. Dairy Cows Across Eight States

The virus has infected dairy herds and raised concerns about zoonotic disease risks, though health officials maintain the U.S. food supply is safe.

Over 20 dairy herds in eight states have reported cases of H5N1 bird flu, with instances of cow-to-human transmission remaining rare.
Health authorities emphasize that the risk to public health is low and the U.S. food supply, including milk and eggs, remains safe and stable.
The American Association of Bovine Practitioners controversially proposes renaming the virus to Bovine Influenza A Virus to maintain consumer confidence in dairy and beef products.
Experts warn that intensive animal agriculture practices increase the risk of zoonotic diseases, highlighting the need for systemic changes in food production.
Federal and state measures include restrictions on dairy cattle imports and enhanced biosecurity, but some argue these efforts are insufficient to prevent future outbreaks.