The USDA reports bird flu was circulating through dairy cows in the U.S. for at least four months before it was confirmed as the H5NI virus.
The analysis by the USDA shows the virus moved from an infected bird to a dairy cow either towards the end of 2023 or the early part of 2024.
The first case of the H5NI virus among cattle was confirmed on March 25 in Texas. Since then, dozens of cows have been infected across nine states.
The George Washington University has experts available to offer insight. If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, [email protected].
Barbara Kowalcyk, associate professor of exercise and nutrition sciences at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health is available to provide information on blu flu and the risk to food safety.
Janet Buffer, food safety expert at the George Washington University can discuss what bird flu is, how cows have been affected and the risk to the general public.