H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads Among U.S. Dairy Cattle, Prompting Increased Surveillance

The virus, primarily affecting birds, has now been detected in dairy cows across nine states, raising concerns about potential mutations and human transmission.

The H5N1 bird flu virus has infected dairy cows in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado, with cases confirmed in 36 herds across nine states.
Despite the infection, the risk to the general public remains low as the virus does not currently spread efficiently from person to person.
Pasteurization processes ensure that commercially sold milk, including those potentially contaminated, remains safe for consumption.
Federal and state agencies are ramping up testing and surveillance measures to monitor the spread among cattle and prevent wider transmission.
Experts urge the use of stringent biosecurity measures on farms to control the outbreak and mitigate risks of a potential pandemic.