Kimbra Cutlip’s article is a reminder that 1) wild bird migration is underway, 2) colder weather means more infections, 3) biosecurity reduces risk to animals and their caretakers, and 4) prevention strategies are beneficial and reduce strain on production economics.
Source: Feedstuffs, September 10, 2025. Link. A recently published study in the journal One Health compared environmental conditions and farm practices on farms with and without HPAI outbreaks. It is the first study to identify specific conditions and actions associated with risks of HPAI infection.
INSIGHTS: Cutlip’s article is poultry-focused but we know H5N1 virus infection has been reported in wild mammals such as foxes, bears, seals, and sea lions, and in domesticated animals, including pets such as cats and dogs, farmed mink and foxes, and livestock such as goats and dairy cows <Link>. In the United States, H5N1 virus detections in mammals have been reported in more than 20 states, including detections in dairy cattle herds in 17 states since start of the outbreak in March 2024 <Link>. Make that 18 states – Nebraska has just had its first confirmed HPAI case in cattle <Link>.
Also see: Fall migration brings elevated bird flu risk, Feedstuffs, September 10, 2025. Link. North Dakota State University Extension specialists share biosecurity tips for reducing transmission of HPAI.
It is your job as an animal owner to create a line of separation between your clean animals and the potential unclean issues that wildlife or visitors may bring.” – Mary Keena, MS
Image: Link.