The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has identified another spillover of H5N1 avian influenza into dairy cows, this time in Arizona’s Maricopa County. The detection comes just weeks after a similar incident in Nevada, which led to the discovery of the virus in dairy herds and a human case.
The D1.1 genotype, circulating widely in North American wild birds, has fueled a surge in poultry outbreaks across the country. This is the third time this strain has been found in dairy cattle. APHIS is urging dairy farmers to tighten biosecurity measures after detecting the virus in five more farms, including an Arizona herd.
Meanwhile, Oregon and Washington have warned pet owners about the risk of raw pet food after testing linked two domestic cats’ illnesses to contaminated food from a single brand, Wild Coast Raw. The same strain of avian flu has been detected in commercial poultry across four states, leading to over 162 million bird losses since early 2022.
The USDA has conditionally approved an H5N2 avian flu vaccine made by Zoetis for use in commercial poultry, which may add another tool to the fight against the outbreaks. The US is facing a surge in poultry outbreaks and related issues, including egg shortages and high prices, and experts are calling for a review of existing control strategies.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/third-avian-flu-spillover-reported-arizona-dairy-herd-raw-pet-food-sickens