The latest data from the CDC and USDA shows the continued devastating effects of bird flu outbreaks across the United States. New York Times writer Apoorva Mandavilli provides a relevant and updated situation analysis in the second article shared here. Not yet a serious human threat, she shares the expanding discoveries in mammalian species, including cats both wild and domesticated, raccoons, bears and sea lions.
Mandavilli shares concerns about the potential for endemically circulating reinfections in dairy cattle, new versions of the H5 virus and challenges with raw milk and raw pet food. With egg prices already climbing and a plethora of media coverage, we’re sharing some recent articles so animal health pros can stay abreast of the bird flu situation and risks.
Keeping animal owners and the general public informed is important and should not be ignored.
Note the first discovery of the H5N9 strain* in a meat duck flock in California.
You could easily end up with endemically circulating H5 in dairy herds without symptoms, obscuring rapid or easy detection.” – Louise H. Moncla, BS, PhD
Sources:
- *First H5N9 bird flu strain found in U.S. meat duck flock, FEEDSTUFFS, January 27, 2025.
- A dangerous virus: Bird Flu enters a new phase, The New York Times, January 27, 2025. English version <Link>; Spanish version <Link>
- What’s needed to stop avian flu outbreak in cattle, poultry [Podcast], WATT Poultry, January 26, 2025. Link.
- PCR testing for H5N1 influenza in dogs and cats, Worms and Germs, January 25, 2025. Link.
- R.I. state veterinarian on bird flu, ABC Providence Now, January 24, 2025. Link.
- 134M Poultry and counting, Successful Farming, January 27, 2025. Link.
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