Resumption of H5N1 case reporting in US livestock and poultry

The latest department reports confirm the infection of three dairy herds: two cases recorded in Texas and one in Utah. The total number of infected cattle herds since the beginning of the current year has reached 85. For comparison, in 2024, when the virus was first detected in cows, 917 outbreaks were recorded, and 171 last year.

In the poultry sector, the largest outbreaks were noted in South Dakota. At a commercial breeding facility in Edmunds County, 29,700 birds were affected, and another 2,800 birds were affected at a facility in Brule County. In addition, two outbreaks were confirmed in the state of Idaho, located in Ada and Canyon counties. In total, over the reported 30-day period, outbreaks were registered at two commercial and three backyard poultry farms.

Experts note that the lack of data for a month was due to the information publication schedule, not an actual cessation of virus activity. For consumers, the risks remain the same: pasteurization inactivates the virus, therefore commercial dairy products are considered safe. Similar requirements remain in place for poultry products: meat must be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and eggs must be cooked until the yolk and white are firm. The consumption of raw milk is still not recommended.

The main risk group consists of farm workers who have direct contact with livestock animals, veterinarians, and owners of backyard farms. It has been established that human-to-human transmission of the virus has not been recorded in the USA. Most confirmed human cases are linked to direct contact with infected livestock or poultry. Specialists recommend that agribusiness workers, upon the appearance of symptoms — conjunctivitis, fever, cough, or muscle pain — immediately contact medical facilities, indicating their professional activity. Owners of backyard poultry flocks should report any bird mortality to the state veterinarian.