Prime Highlight
- Nebraska confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu in a dairy herd, with officials assuring that the risk to the general public remains low.
- The USDA and state authorities have quarantined the herd and are investigating to prevent further spread of the virus.
Key Facts
- Since March 2024, bird flu in dairy cattle has been reported in 17 states, including California, Michigan, Texas, and Nevada.
- The USDA and FDA confirmed that pasteurisation destroys the virus, keeping all commercial milk and dairy products safe for consumers.
Background
Nebraska has reported its first case of H5N1 bird flu in a dairy cattle herd, but health officials say the virus poses a low risk to the general public. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the infected herd in central Nebraska has been quarantined. The virus is similar to a strain recently found in California.
The case was detected through routine milk testing, part of federal safety measures to monitor livestock. The USDA and Nebraska Department of Agriculture are in the process of investigating the herd to determine how the virus got to that place and prevent further spread.
Since March 2024, 17 states, including California, Michigan, Texas, and Nevada, have reported bird flu in dairy cattle. The symptoms of infected cows are low milk production, fever, runny nose, dehydration, and milk thickening. The majority of them recover under good care, and mortality is not high.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted that there are slim chances of the virus infecting the general population. However, individuals who are in direct contact with livestock, such as farmers, veterinarians, and agricultural workers, are at risk and are advised to practice safety measures such as putting on protective clothing and proper hygiene.
State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley urged dairy producers to report any unusual symptoms in their cattle immediately and maintain strict biosecurity.
The USDA and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that pasteurisation destroys the virus, keeping commercial milk and dairy products safe for consumption.
Experts warn that with the fall migratory bird season approaching, the virus may spread more easily among animals. HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) can also infect some mammals, and rare human infections have occurred through close contact with infected animals. Governments are on high alert to ensure the safety of the citizens as well as the agricultural society.
