The US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed more H5N1 virus detections in dairy cattle, mammals, and poultry. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture reported three facilities quarantined due to the virus.
A study found that aging raw-milk cheese can be ineffective against the virus, with only acidic environments deactivating it. The virus can persist under refrigeration for 56 days. The cost of infection in an affected dairy herd was estimated at $950 per clinically affected cow.
Meanwhile, a Mississippi broiler farm experienced an outbreak of H7N9 avian flu, a subtype of highly pathogenic avian flu not detected in US poultry since 2017. Bird euthanasia occurred.
In other news, Europe is experiencing its worst measles year in decades, and a study found that a commercially available probiotic reduced the duration of fever in children with respiratory infections.
The FDA is investigating a new Listeria outbreak, while a Salmonella outbreak has been declared over without a specific source. Coverage of basic childhood vaccines in low- and middle-income countries remains below goals.
Food recalls include SeaBear Company Smoked Salmon Chowder and Alehouse Clam Chowder due to possible botulinum contamination, International Delight coffee creamer Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll and Hazelnut flavors for reports of spoilage and illness, and Savage Cat Food chicken for possible bird flu contamination.
Source: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/3/18/2308251/-Infectious-Updates-3-18-2025