H5N1 Avian Flu Detected in U.S. Cattle, Raising Pandemic Concerns

The detection of a highly pathogenic avian flu strain in Nevada dairy cows marks the first case in cattle and highlights global pandemic preparedness efforts.

• The H5N1 strain of avian influenza, specifically the D1.1 variant, has been identified in dairy cattle in Nevada, the first such case in the U.S.
• This variant has previously caused severe illness in humans, including the first U.S. death linked to the virus in January 2025.
• Experts fear the virus’s spread in mammals could increase the risk of mutations enabling human-to-human transmission.
• France, which has avoided recent outbreaks, continues mass vaccination efforts in poultry and coordinates pandemic preparedness measures for humans and animals.
• Global health organizations, including the WHO, assess the current risk to humans as low but urge vigilance and preventive actions to mitigate potential threats.

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