Archive for APHIS

H5N1 Avian Flu Confirmed in 5 More US Dairy Herds and 3 Cats: USDA Reports

H5N1 avian flu confirmed in 5 more US dairy herds and 3 cats. How is this affecting livestock and pets? Stay informed on the latest USDA APHIS updates.

The H5N1 bird flu hidden intruder threatens our agricultural backbone and pet well-being in the heartland of America. Having broken into chicken farms, this zoonotic virus has already crept into dairy cows throughout many states with alarming effects. Notable for its lethal accuracy, H5N1 has moved across to domestic cats, creating a disturbing precedent. Our primary defense is the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which provide vital updates stressing the necessity of increased awareness and aggressive actions. The most recent outbreaks in five dairy farms and other domestic animals indicate an alarming trend beyond species limits.

H5N1 Outbreaks Extend to 145 Dairy Herds Across 12 States 

The latest reports underline the continuous spread of H5N1 avian flu, verified in five additional dairy farms scattered throughout Colorado, Michigan, and Texas. With these outbreaks, the USDA’s overall increase is 145 in 12 states. Minnesota also reports yet another epidemic in Benton County, with eight instances. These changes underline the need for constant awareness and strict biosecurity policies.

Surge in H5N1 Infections Among Domestic Cats Raises Alarms 

APHIS has verified H5N1 in three additional domestic cats spread across two states. Two wild barn cats on a Sibley County dairy farm in Minnesota tested positive; samples were taken on June 10. On April 18, a cat from Ottawa County tested positive in Michigan, a state already suffering outbreaks on dairy farms. These examples demonstrate the growing influence of the virus on other mammalian species from 2022 to 33, therefore bringing the total number of afflicted cats. This pattern raises questions about public health and cross-species transmission, suggesting conceivable behavior of the virus that calls for further observation and study.

Ecological Impact of H5N1 Extends Beyond Domestic Animals

Significant wildlife participation in the H5N1 pandemic suggests the virus’s presence outside domestic mammals. To emphasize the broad scope of the epidemic, APHIS verified an H5N1 detection in a raccoon from Ottawa County, Michigan, gathered with samples from an infected domestic cat. This finding emphasizes more general ecological consequences, including many different species. Not spared is the avian population; recent sightings of wild birds have been recorded from several sites. Four H5N1 positives turned up in agency-harvested birds from Plymouth and Sioux counties in Iowa. Sampled in mid-to-late June, the species identified included a red-winged blackbird, a robin, a turkey vulture, and a barn swallow, therefore illustrating the effect of the virus on avian life. These results emphasize the importance of ongoing observation and decisive preventive actions across many ecosystems and species of animals.

The Convergence of H5N1 Outbreaks Across Multiple Sectors Heralds Significant Challenges 

For public health, agriculture, and wildlife especially, the confluence of H5N1 infections across many industries poses significant problems. Finding the virus in dairy farms begs questions about interspecies transmission, particularly given human cases connected to cow contact. This is the first evidence of H5N1 in bovine milk, compromising dairy output and safety. Farmers in 145 impacted herds spread across 12 states might suffer financial difficulty and losses of animals. The virus’s proliferation among household cats hampers control efforts as these animals can contribute to maintaining infection.

Confirmed incidences of the virus in many bird species and a raccoon demonstrate the ecological extent of the virus, therefore affecting also wildlife. More general effects might disturb nearby ecosystems and impact endangered species. APHIS and other organizations are implementing public health campaigns, biosecurity policies, and focused monitoring programs. Early identification and containment depend critically on improved monitoring and cooperation with agencies such as the FDA and CDC.

Among the strategies are strict quarantine procedures, vaccination campaigns, and animal culling of sick individuals. Public health warnings seek to safeguard those more in danger, particularly those living near impacted species. These steps show a dedication to protecting animal and human health from environmental hazards.

The Bottom Line

A thorough monitoring and quick response is needed as the H5N1 avian flu spreads into new states. The discovery of H5N1 in 145 dairy cows and many domestic cats and its spread to wild animals emphasizes significant ecological and agricultural consequences. The important lessons are the rise in domestic cat cases, the growth in dairy herd illnesses in twelve states, and the more significant environmental influence on wild birds and animals. These incidents draw attention to the linked character of H5N1 epidemics, which motivates state and federal agency collaboration and alertness. The USDA, CDC, and FDA assiduously track these hazards to guarantee public health and safety. Public knowledge and following safety procedures are vital for individuals with occupational exposure. Maintaining human and animal health depends on a coordinated strategy.

Key Takeaways:

  • APHIS has confirmed H5N1 avian flu in five additional dairy herds across Colorado, Michigan, and Texas, resulting in 145 affected herds in 12 states.
  • Minnesota reported its eighth H5N1 outbreak in dairy farms, specifically in Benton County.
  • Three more domestic cats tested positive for H5N1, raising the total number of affected cats to 33 since 2022.
  • Feral barn cats in Sibley County, Minnesota, and a cat in Ottawa County, Michigan, were among the latest feline cases.
  • Samples from a raccoon in Ottawa County, Michigan, also tested positive for H5N1, highlighting the virus’s spread among wild mammals.
  • Four wild birds in Iowa, including a red-winged blackbird and a barn swallow, were recently confirmed with H5N1, underscoring the virus’s impact on wildlife.

Summary:

The H5N1 avian flu has infiltrated dairy herds across several states, including the heartland of America. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have been the primary defense against this threat, offering critical updates and emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures. The latest outbreaks in five dairy herds and additional domestic cats signify a worrisome trend transcending species boundaries. The USDA’s total outbreaks reach 145 in 12 states, with Minnesota reporting another outbreak in Benton County. The surge in H5N1 infections among domestic cats raises alarms, as APHIS has confirmed H5N1 in three more domestic cats across two states. This trend concerns cross-species transmission and public health, indicating possible changes in the virus’s behavior that require further monitoring and research. The ecological impact of H5N1 extends beyond domestic animals, with wildlife involvement in the outbreak being significant. The convergence of H5N1 outbreaks across multiple sectors presents substantial challenges for public health, agriculture, and wildlife.

Learn more:

USDA Report Reveals H5N1 Dairy Outbreak Linked to Human Activity, Not Migrant Birds

Find out how human activity, not migrant birds, spread H5N1 in dairy farms. Explore the USDA’s findings and why biosecurity measures are important.

Challenging earlier theories regarding its primary sources, the most recent study from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a leading authority in animal health and disease control, offers vital new information on the spread of the H5N1 virus in American dairy facilities. Against the belief that wild, migrating birds are the significant spreaders, the paper emphasizes human actions and tools as the main offenders. This change of perspective highlights the necessity of improved biosecurity in the agricultural field.

The primary source of the H5N1 spread is human activities, including livestock transportation across states and trailer and vehicle sharing. Significant results from the USDA analysis expose:

  • 50% of affected farms use shared trucks and trailers without proper cleaning.
  • 30% of dairy employees worked at multiple farms within a month of the outbreak.
  • All farms observed wild birds, but only 29% reported sightings of sick or dead birds near the onset of clinical signs.

These results depend on policymakers and farmers trying to stop further epidemics. By emphasizing human-mediated transmission, this paper not only refutes false beliefs but also directs the creation of more successful disease management plans for contemporary dairy production. The impact of H5N1 on public health is significant, with the potential for severe illness and death in humans. See on for further details.

The Highways of H5N1: Cattle Movement and Virus Transmission

APHIS’s most current USDA study on the H5N1 virus’s proliferation across dairy farms highlights essential transmission channels. The poll names local farm contacts and interstate cow movements as leading viral carriers. Even if they are asymptomatic, cattle moving between states typically carry the virus, complicating control attempts. Locally, shared and unstilled vehicles help the virus to travel across farms. Human activities greatly influence transmission, particularly staff movement between farms without appropriate cleanliness.

This emphasizes the importance of strict biosecurity policies. Improved sanitation, strict health monitoring, and appropriate hygienic training for agricultural employees may reduce these hazards.

For more information, see our thorough analyses in USDA Takes Action to Isolate and Eliminate H5N1 Bird Flu in Dairy Herds and Decoding the Impact of H5N1 in US Dairy on Public Health.

Viral Superhighways: The Critical Role of Shared Trucks and Trailers in H5N1 Transmission

The H5N1 virus is mainly disseminated through the everyday use of vehicles and trailers. Unbelievably, half of the impacted farmers neglected to clean their automobiles, which turned them into viral highways, and half of them shared vehicles. This emphasizes how urgently strict biosecurity rules are needed to guarantee correct sanitation and stop the spread of dangerous illnesses.

The transmission of the virus has also been substantially influenced by staff mobility across farms. Thirty percent of the workers in the dairies visited or worked at other dairies thirty days after the epidemic. Given that human activity has been a significant vector in spreading H5N1, this emphasizes the requirement of strict on-farm biosecurity procedures and staff adherence to these criteria.

Transmission of H5N1 depends much on cattle movements. According to the USDA analysis, 20% of impacted farms got cattle within 30 days of seeing clinical symptoms, implying infected animals were brought into these herds. Moreover, 60% of farms kept transporting animals from their premises after the start of clinical symptoms, therefore aggravating the dissemination. To stop the spread of H5N1, strict biosecurity policies and stricter rules on livestock movements during an epidemic are essential.

The Avian Mirage: Reassessing the Role of Wild Birds in H5N1’s Spread

Although wild birds were found on every farm under study, their contribution to H5N1 spread is doubtful. The USDA discovered that just 29% of these farms had ill or dead wild birds within 30 days of cows displaying clinical symptoms. This suggests that while wild birds may be present, they are not the primary carriers of the virus. Instead, human activities and shared equipment are likely means of transmission.

Other animals complicate the distribution of H5N1. Cases of ill or dead cats and birds point to possible cross-species transmission since 80% of farms have cats and 20% have poultry. This emphasizes how urgently thorough biosecurity policies covering more than just livestock are needed.

The Bottom Line

The USDA study emphasizes that human activities and equipment are more responsible for the H5N1 virus spreading throughout dairy farms than wild birds. Transmission of the virus depends mostly on shared vehicles, trailers, and agricultural staff. Although wild birds were present on every impacted farm, their contribution to spreading the virus is negligible compared to human and technological aspects.

This realization makes stringent biosecurity policies vital. Dairy producers must concentrate on cleaning common cars and limiting farm staff cross-visits. Failure to do so could lead to further outbreaks and significant economic losses. Improved biosecurity policies depend on protecting the sector and public health.

Stakeholders must follow strict biosecurity policies, including limited animal movements, frequent vehicle sanitization, and extensive training for farm workers. These actions, which can be implemented through stricter regulations and industry-wide initiatives, depend on protecting animals and stopping the spread of H5N1. Policymakers should consider these recommendations when formulating disease management plans, and farmers should prioritize these measures in their daily operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Human activity and equipment, rather than wild birds, are the primary spreaders of the H5N1 virus among dairy farms.
  • Interstate cattle movements and local farm interactions are critical factors in the virus’s dissemination.
  • 50% of affected farms used shared trucks and trailers, many of which were not properly cleaned.
  • 30% of dairy farm employees worked at or visited other dairies within 30 days of the outbreak.
  • 20% of farms received new cattle within 30 days of exhibiting H5N1 symptoms, while 60% continued moving animals post-onset.
  • Despite all farms observing wild birds, only 29% reported seeing sick or dead birds within 30 days of the outbreak.
  • A notable presence of cats (80%) and poultry (20%) on farms, with incidences of sickness and death among them.
  • The critical need for stringent biosecurity measures is emphasized throughout the report.

Summary:

A study by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) challenges the notion that wild birds are the primary carriers of the H5N1 virus in American dairy facilities. The study reveals that human activities and tools are the main offenders, with 50% of affected farms using shared trucks and trailers without proper cleaning. Additionally, 30% of dairy employees worked at multiple farms within a month of the outbreak. All farms observed wild birds, but only 29% reported sightings of sick or dead birds near the onset of clinical signs. The study emphasizes the importance of strict biosecurity policies, including improved sanitation, health monitoring, and hygienic training for agricultural employees to reduce the risks of H5N1 transmission. It also highlights the critical role of shared trucks and trailers in H5N1 transmission, with half of the impacted farmers neglecting to clean their automobiles. Staff mobility across farms also significantly influences the transmission of the virus, with 30% of workers visiting or working at other dairies thirty days after the epidemic. The study concludes that human activities and equipment are more responsible for the H5N1 virus spreading throughout dairy farms than wild birds.

USDA Launches Pilot Program to Combat H5N1 in Dairy Herds with $824 Million Support

Discover how the USDA’s new $824M pilot program aims to combat H5N1 in dairy herds. Will your state participate in this innovative approach to safeguard livestock?

The USDA’s new H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program aims to revolutionize cattle health monitoring and expedite cattle movement. Starting in select states, this voluntary program promises to usher in an era of diligent health surveillance. 

The innovative program has three main goals: 

  • Enhanced Monitoring: Systematic testing of cows for H5N1.
  • Streamlined Movement: Swift shipment of cattle after consistent negative tests.
  • Flexible Testing: Alternative methods to confirm herd health regularly.

“We are deeply committed to providing our dairy producers with the tools to maintain herd health and ensure dairy supply chain stability,” said Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, highlighting USDA’s unwavering and proactive approach to disease management.

Empowering Dairy Producers: The Flexibility and Efficiency of the H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program

The voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program empowers dairy producers to choose participation based on their needs, providing flexibility without regulatory compulsion. This initiative aids in efficiently monitoring herds and mitigating Influenza A spread among dairy cattle, ensuring the health and safety of your herds and the stability of the dairy supply chain. 

Revolutionizing Dairy Herd Management through Proactive H5N1 Testing: A New Era of Efficiency and Welfare

The H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program provides dairy producers with new testing options after their herds test negative for H5N1 for three consecutive weeks. This initiative shifts from reactive to proactive, allowing producers to ensure consistent herd health and efficient cattle movement. The program reduces labor and costs by enabling weekly bulk milk tests instead of individual animal tests while minimizing animal stress and enhancing herd welfare. 

The National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) is a key player in the H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program. Its rigorous standards ensure reliable results, which in turn, build trust in the program’s diagnostic capabilities. This trust is crucial for enabling continuous, proactive herd management and encouraging dairy producers to participate.

Strategic State Collaborations: The Keystone of the H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program 

Strategic state collaborations are at the heart of the H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program. APHIS is working closelywith state officials to select the best candidates for the program. This careful selection process ensures that regions with the highest potential for success and impact are chosen, providing dairy producers with the assurance that the program is well-planned and effective. 

Once participating states are finalized, enrollment will begin the week of June 3. Producers can contact their state veterinarian for details. This straightforward process allows producers to join the program quickly and benefit from improved testing and movement options.

Upholding Safety and Compliance: Mandatory Regulations for Non-Participant Dairy Producers

Producers opting out of the pilot program must follow the Federal Order for pre-movement testing of lactating dairy cattle. Every interstate movement of dairy cows requires a negative Influenza A test within the specified timeframe before transit. This stringent testing protocol ensures that only healthy cows are relocated, reducing the risk of disease spread. 

Non-enrolled producers must also adhere to regular herd monitoring practices to identify any H5N1 symptoms promptly. In line with state and federal regulations, routine health inspections are crucial to maintaining herd health and preventing outbreaks. Staying updated with these regulations is essential, as compliance protects individual herds and supports broader public health goals.

Securing America’s Agriculture: Strategic Investments in Biosecurity and Disease Management 

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has approved $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to invest in the nation’s biosecurity and disease management. These funds are earmarked for APHIS to enhance efforts against HPAI and the H5N1 strain, especially in the dairy sector

This funding will be allocated to several key areas: 

  • Diagnostics: Improving lab capabilities for rapid and accurate H5N1 detection.
  • Field Responses: Supporting immediate response efforts in affected areas.
  • Pre-Movement Testing: Funding comprehensive testing protocols to maintain herd health and safe cattle movement.
  • Other Surveillance: Expanding programs to monitor HPAI and H5N1 spread and mutations.
  • Vaccine Development: Investing in vaccines for various species to prevent and control the disease long-term.

USDA’s deployment of these resources underscores its commitment to safeguarding the agricultural industry, ensuring food production resilience, and fostering fairer markets. This financial support addresses immediate needs while paving the way for a more secure and sustainable future in American agriculture. 

The Bottom Line

The H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program marks a pivotal change in managing potential H5N1 outbreaks for dairy producers. Simplifying testing for those who consistently show negative results allows greater operational flexibility and reduces economic strain. This initiative, backed by substantial funding and state collaboration, bolsters herd health and strengthens America’s agricultural biosecurity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The program is voluntary and targets herds that test negative for H5N1 for three consecutive weeks.
  • Testing will be conducted through National Animal Health Laboratory Network facilities.
  • Producers will have the option to conduct weekly bulk milk tests to confirm the herd’s status.
  • State officials and APHIS are currently determining participating states, with enrollment commencing the week of June 3.
  • Non-enrolled producers must adhere to existing interstate testing and movement regulations as outlined in the Federal Order.
  • Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has authorized $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to support diagnostics, field responses, pre-movement testing, surveillance, and vaccine development.

Summary: The USDA is launching the H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program to improve cattle health monitoring and dairy supply chain stability. Starting in select states, the program aims to provide dairy producers with tools to maintain herd health and streamline movement. The National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) is a key player in the program, with rigorous standards ensuring reliable results and building trust in its diagnostic capabilities. Enrollment will begin on June 3, and producers can contact their state veterinarian for details. Non-enrolled producers must follow the Federal Order for pre-movement testing of lactating dairy cattle and adhere to regular herd monitoring practices to identify H5N1 symptoms promptly. The USDA has approved $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation for biosecurity and disease management.

H5N1 Virus Detected in Beef for the First Time: FSIS Ensures Safety Measures in Place

Learn about the proactive steps the FSIS takes to safeguard beef after the unprecedented detection of the H5N1 virus in a dairy cow. What protocols and safety measures are implemented to ensure your food remains safe? Read further.

The unexpected discovery of the H5N1 virus—infamously associated with avian flu and known for its lethal impact on poultry—in a single beef sample has sent ripples across the food safety landscape. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on Friday that the virus was detected in meat from a cull dairy cow, marking the first time the pathogen has been found in beef. This revelation came amidst rigorous testing of 96 dairy cows, a precaution taken after federal inspectors flagged signs of illness during routine checks. The source of the virus in the beef is believed to be from the cow’s exposure to infected poultry or contaminated feed. 

“The detection of H5N1 in beef underscores the vigilance and robustness of our food safety measures,” said a spokesperson from the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). “While the meat was never allowed to enter the food supply, it reinforces the importance of ongoing surveillance and strict biosecurity protocols.”

This new finding broadens the scope of the H5N1 outbreak, which had previously been confined to poultry and dairy. Here are the key facts you need to know about this development: 

  • H5N1 viral particles were detected in tissue samples from one cow on May 22, 2024.
  • The remaining 95 dairy cows tested negative for the virus.
  • No meat from the tested cows entered the food supply.
  • The beef industry remains under stringent scrutiny to ensure safety.

The detection of H5N1 in beef marks a notable shift in the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, which has mainly affected poultry. This discovery points to the need for vigilant testing across all meat sectors. 

Although the infected meat did not reach the food supply, it underscores the effectiveness of our strict inspection and testing protocols. The quick action by FSIS and APHIS demonstrates that these systems are robust and prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers. 

This finding raises concerns about the virus’s ability to infect various livestock and potential cross-species transmission. However, researchers and officials are taking immediate action to investigate these aspects and implement necessary control measures to prevent H5N1’s spread, including enhanced biosecurity measures and increased surveillance in all meat sectors. 

While this development is troubling, the negative results from the remaining 95 cows provide some reassurance. FSIS and APHIS are conducting thorough investigations to understand the infection’s source and scope. 

Public health officials emphasize that beef is safe when properly handled and cooked to recommended temperatures. The H5N1 virus, while found in beef, does not pose a significant risk to human health if the meat is cooked thoroughly. Yet, this incident reminds us of the challenges of maintaining a secure food supply amid emerging diseases. 

Ongoing updates and findings from investigations will be vital. Your vigilance and adherence to food safety guidelines are crucial. The cooperation between FSIS, APHIS, and related agencies, along with your active participation, will help strengthen our food safety systems and protect public health.

Key Takeaways:

  • The H5N1 virus was discovered in meat from a single cull dairy cow during testing of 96 dairy cows by the FSIS and APHIS.
  • Federal inspectors noticed signs of illness in the cows, which led to their diversion and testing.
  • Only one cow tested positive for the viral particles, while the remaining 95 cows tested negative.
  • The contaminated beef did not enter the food supply, ensuring no risk to consumers.
  • Tracing the virus’s origin is ongoing, with FSIS and APHIS collaborating for a thorough investigation.
  • H5N1 has been previously identified in dairy cattle, poultry, and milk, but its occurrence in beef is unprecedented.
  • The robust food safety measures in place were reaffirmed, with further updates expected as testing advances.


Summary: The H5N1 virus, linked to avian flu and poultry, has been detected in a single beef sample, marking the first time the pathogen has been found in beef. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the discovery during testing of 96 dairy cows, which were flagged as having signs of illness during routine checks. The source of the virus in the beef is believed to be from the cow’s exposure to infected poultry or contaminated feed. The discovery underscores the vigilance and robustness of food safety measures, as it reinforces the importance of ongoing surveillance and strict biosecurity protocols. The beef industry remains under stringent scrutiny to ensure safety. Concerns about the virus’s ability to infect various livestock and potential cross-species transmission are being investigated. Cooperation between FSIS, APHIS, and related agencies and active participation will help strengthen food safety systems and protect public health.

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