Overview

• H5N1 bird flu has infected dairy cows in 12 states, with significant human exposure risks reported.
• Three human cases linked to the outbreak, including one with respiratory symptoms, raising fears of human-to-human transmission.
• The dairy industry is urged to adopt widespread testing and biosecurity measures similar to those in the poultry sector.
• Federal and state agencies face criticism for slow response and lack of real-time data sharing on viral spread.
• Vaccination efforts and enhanced surveillance are being discussed as essential steps to control the outbreak.