USDA adding HPAI to dairy beef–surveillance programs as virus continues to spread

The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI, more specifically avian influenza type A H5N1), continues among U.S. dairy cattle after its initial discovery in that species this spring.

Since March, H5N1 outbreaks have been confirmed in dairy cattle in over 200 herds. This includes 34 dairy cow operations in California, making it 14th state with dairy herds that have tested positive for the virus.

Testing culled dairy cattle beef

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been testing raw milk from cows to identify the virus in herds. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has separately tested commercial milk supplies and cites federal agency research showing that pasteurization kills the virus.

The disease is unpredictable, however, as it has shown up in the milk of asymptomatic dairy cattle, as well as those that show a high number of clinical signs over an extended period of time, according to Dr. Sarah Tomlinson, associate deputy administrator for strategy and policy at USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Veterinary Services.

Now, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced that it will add H5N1 influenza to its national surveillance program monitoring beef for pathogens and chemical contaminants.