By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cattle across nineteen states. The virus was detected using milk samples, nasal swabs, and genetic sequencing. Officials believe wild birds likely introduced the virus, though studies continue to understand how it spreads among dairy herds.
Federal agencies including the USDA, CDC, and FDA have emphasized that the U.S. milk supply remains safe. Pasteurization, a long-standing food safety practice, effectively destroys viruses and bacteria, including HPAI. Extensive testing by the FDA has shown no active H5N1 virus in retail milk products.
Federal dairy safety rules prohibit milk from sick cows from entering the food system. Affected cows are isolated, and their milk is discarded. Authorities continue to discourage the consumption of raw milk due to the risk of harmful pathogens. As an added precaution, milk from affected herds is not used for raw milk cheese production.
The CDC has reported 41 human HPAI cases associated with dairy cattle exposure during 2024 and 2025. Despite these cases, officials stress that the overall risk to public health is low. Most dairy cows recover within two weeks, and the illness has not caused widespread production losses.
Dairy farms are being encouraged to strengthen biosecurity practices, such as limiting visitor access, controlling animal movement, and using protective clothing and equipment. Workers handling raw milk are advised to follow safety guidelines, including wearing masks, gloves, and eye protection.
USDA has also implemented testing requirements for interstate cattle movement and launched a National Milk Testing Strategy to improve disease monitoring. At this time, dairy markets and exports remain stable. Federal officials continue to provide updates while ensuring consumers that U.S. dairy products are safe and reliable.
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Categories: National