USDA, CDC, FDA address multiple questions about Avian Flu in dairy cattle
Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and State veterinary and public health officials are investigating an illness among dairy cows.
As of April 18, the situation has effected farms in 8 states across the U.S.
Common questions from farmers and consumers include:
How did these cattle contract H5N1?
What is the appropriate nomenclature for this virus, now that it has appeared in dairy cows?
Is this the same virus that has been in circulation among wild and commercial flocks in recent months, or is this a different virus?
How is this cattle illness affecting the nation’s overall milk production, and what effect might this have on consumer prices?
Officials are answering these questions as more information becomes available (links below).
A recent statement from USDA APHIS articulates:
"As we learn more about this evolving situation, APHIS will continue to provide confirmatory testing for samples from livestock as well as guidance for producers, veterinarians, and state animal health officials. As the situation changes, we will continue to post updated information at the links below."
Updated 4/16/24
