Bird Flu Updates: Second bird flu strain found in US dairy cattle, USDA says (Feb 6, 2025)

Hi 👋 

The bird flu situation has taken a concerning turn, with a new and deadlier strain of the H5N1 virus spilling over into dairy cattle herds in the United States for the first time. This development raises alarms about the virus's continued evolution and potential to spread to new animal hosts.

Given the recent developments, we are going to increase the frequency of newsletter to twice a week to make sure you stay updaed. We will also now include Europe and asian news sources per your suggestion!

Here's your latest in-depth bird flu news roundup, with detailed coverage of recent developments.

In This Update

• Latest Developments

• Scientific Research & Developments

• Public Health Updates

• Economic Impacts

• Wildlife & Pet Safety

• Looking Ahead

Latest Developments

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed that dairy cattle in Nevada have been infected with a new genotype of the H5N1 avian influenza virus, marking the first time this particular strain has spread to cattle in the country. [Source] [Source]

• This new strain, dubbed H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, has been linked to severe human infections and is considered a significant public health concern. Infected cattle have exhibited respiratory symptoms. [Source] [Source]

• The spillover event underscores the virus's ability to evolve and adapt to new hosts, potentially increasing its transmission risk to humans. [Source]

Scientific Research & Developments

• The detection of this new H5N1 genotype in cattle represents a significant evolutionary leap for the virus, as it has primarily circulated in bird populations until now. [Source]

• Efforts are underway to develop updated vaccines that can provide protection against emerging strains like the one found in Nevada cattle. [Source]

• In addition to vaccine development, scientists are exploring therapeutic approaches, such as the antibody discovered by the University of Pittsburgh team, to combat severe infections caused by evolving bird flu strains. [Source]

Public Health Updates

• While the overall risk to the general public remains low, the emergence of this new strain in cattle has raised concerns among health authorities due to its potential for human transmission. [Source]

• Experts warn that close contact with infected birds or cattle could increase the risk of human cases, especially among vulnerable populations like poultry workers and those with weakened immune systems. [Source]

• In addition to the Nevada cattle cases, multiple states have reported increased incidents of bird flu in wild bird populations, including Connecticut, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. [Source] [Source] [Source] [Source]

• The virus continues to spread through wild bird migrations and interactions between domestic and wild bird populations. [Source]

Economic Impacts

• Egg prices have skyrocketed across the country due to decreased supply, with some regions like Ohio being hit particularly hard. [Source] [Source] 

• Bay Area shoppers deal with empty shelves as bird flu impacts egg supply[Source]

• In addition to poultry operations, the virus's spread to cattle herds could have far-reaching consequences for the dairy industry and related sectors. [Source]

• Farmers and agricultural organizations are closely monitoring the situation and implementing strict biosecurity measures to protect their livestock. [Source]

• Restaurants and food businesses are also feeling the strain, with some being forced to adapt their menus or seek alternative suppliers. [Source] [Source]

Wildlife & Pet Safety

• The ongoing bird flu outbreak has taken a significant toll on wild bird populations, with reports of increased mortality rates and ecosystem disruptions in affected areas. [Source] [Source] [Source]

• Pet owners, especially those with backyard poultry or birds, are advised to take precautions and follow guidelines issued by veterinary authorities to protect their animals from potential infection. [Source]

Looking Ahead

• Scientists are working to better understand the new H5N1 strain's characteristics, transmission patterns, and potential impact on human health through ongoing studies and clinical trials. [Source]

• Experts anticipate that the virus will continue to evolve and potentially spread to other animal hosts, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance and preparedness efforts. [Source]

• The economic impacts on the poultry and dairy industries are expected to persist, with potential ripple effects on related sectors and consumer markets. [Source]

Stay safe and informed!

Jennifer