As of 24 Apr 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed HPAI H5N1 virus detections on 33 dairy cattle premises in 8 states. USDA has also confirmed that 8 poultry premises in 5 states have also been infected with the same HPAI H5N1 virus genotype detected in dairy cattle.
HPAI had already been recognized as a threat by USDA, and the interstate movement of animals infected with HPAI was already prohibited. However, the detection of this new distinct HPAI H5N1 virus genotype in dairy cattle poses a new animal disease risk since this genotype can infect both cattle and poultry.
To control further spread several additional measures were taken such as:
- Before interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved laboratory.
- Owners of herds in which dairy cattle test positive for interstate movement will be required to provide epidemiological information, including animal movement tracing.
- Laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive Influenza results
Check as well the latest updates by our allies:
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
Joint FAO/WHO/WOAH preliminary assessment
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease
