The H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu, is disrupting the dairy industry and prompting concerns about a potential outbreak. While the virus has primarily affected poultry in the past, its recent spread to cattle and documented cases in humans signal a growing epidemiological challenge. As for now, the bird flu has caught the public eye through its impact on egg prices, sensationalized by potential correlations to recent layoffs in public health agencies and promises by the current administration under President Donald Trump.
Rats, cats, cows, and most recently, humans, are among the adjacent populations impacted by the H5N1 virus resulting in the Bird Flu. Around 70 cases have been identified in humans at the time of publication, with one death in Louisiana early this year, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC). The individual reportedly had a coop of chickens that attracted the virus from wild birds, resulting in their infection and subsequent death. In other states, dairy veterinarians and workers are the primary target for the virus so far, with none reporting any severe symptoms as a result. That being said, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that over 162 million birds have been infected since January 2022, with the bulk of birds coming from the state of Iowa in 2022 and 2024.
Recent recalls on raw meat pet food after the death of two cats, along with recalls on contaminated raw milk, have been the main contamination sources on the market. Public health experts worry about the potential for human-to-human transition, which may result in virus mutations and adaptations.
In California, 36 herds of dairy cows are infected with the virus. However, avian flu among cattle in the West Coast state has been an issue since mid-2024, with Governor Gavin Newsom declaring a state of emergency in December to address the outbreak. With raw milk recalls in the state, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that the pasteurization of milk is effective at eliminating the H5N1 virus in dairy milk. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has provided additional guidance for dairy and poultry workers, encouraging the use of PPE, proper hand hygiene, and the seasonal flu vaccine.
Long-term impacts of this wave of bird flu on the dairy and poultry industries may not be addressed for quite some time, according to public health experts. The reengineering of farms and advancements needed for animal disease surveillance will require a great deal of funding and expertise, which is not top of mind for government officials at this time. For the broader economy, experts suggest that prolonged disruptions could lead to strain on dairy farmers and the agricultural supply chain. If infections continue to spread, farmers will have to cull cattle and chickens to ensure biosecurity protocols are met. Moreover, dairy prices may fluctuate, affecting consumers and businesses alike.
The Trump Administration’s recent wave of layoffs saw the removal of several employees responsible for the response to the growing bird flu cases. These individuals came from the USDA’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network program, which is heavily involved in tracking animal diseases.
Despite these concerns, the CDC notes that there is very low to no immediate impact on the general public at this time. The agency reports no human-to-human transmission and is currently evaluating national data for any sporadic human cases unrelated to animal exposure.
By Lois Angelo