Bird Flu Arrives in U.S. Dairy Farms — Is Your Milk Safe?

Nebraska has reported its first case of bird flu in a dairy cattle herd, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This marks the spread of the virus into livestock since the outbreak began last year. Despite a slowdown in reported cases, 17 states, including California, Michigan, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, and Texas, have documented infections in dairy herds since the start of the outbreak in March 2024.

Dairy cows infected with bird flu often experience a decline in milk production, reduced food intake, and other related health issues. While the avian influenza viruses in cattle and birds present a low risk to the general public, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) caution that individuals working on farms with infected animals face a higher risk. Since 2024, 70 people, primarily dairy farm workers, have contracted the virus, according to the CDC.

The USDA assures that milk available to consumers remains safe, as the pasteurization process effectively neutralizes the virus. The infected herd in Nebraska, located centrally in the state, is under quarantine by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. The strain identified is similar to one previously found in California, known for its significant dairy production. Bird flu has yet to be confirmed in U.S. beef cattle, though Nebraska is a prominent beef producer.

Comparatively, Brazil has faced its own challenges with bird flu as its poultry industry underwent strict biosecurity restrictions to manage outbreaks, emphasizing the global struggle against avian influenza. While Brazil remains vigilant with testing and preventive measures to protect its status as a leading chicken exporter, these measures underscore the critical need for ongoing international biosecurity efforts in agriculture.

Despite the outbreak, positive measures are in place, such as continued monitoring and quarantine protocols. These efforts aim to maintain dairy safety and support the agricultural workforce, painting a hopeful outlook for controlling the spread of bird flu in livestock. With persistent vigilance, there’s potential to manage and mitigate the impact of this virus on both human health and livestock productivity.