The spread of H5N1 Bird Flu continues to pose challenges for the dairy industry, with California confirming a new case in a dairy herd this month. While 373 California dairies have fully recovered and been released from quarantine, the virus is far from contained. Bi-monthly surveillance has been set in place to monitor further spread (CDFA report).
Meanwhile, concerns about bird flu transmission beyond infected herds are growing—veterinarians in Nevada tested positive despite no direct contact with sick animals, raising questions about new transmission risks (Reuters report). Additionally, discussions are underway regarding virus detection in the milk supply, reinforcing the need for dairy farmers to stay informed and prepared (NBC News).
With H5N1 showing no signs of disappearing, proactive biosecurity and contingency planning are critical to protecting herds and maintaining milk production.