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Individual working on a U.S. dairy farm reported to have avian influenza

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S. has now confirmed a human case of avian influenza with an individual that had contact with dairy cows that were believed to have the virus.

The individual's only symptom seemed to be eye inflammation.

The H5N1 bird flu human health risk for the U.S. is still considered to be low, however they note the risk is higher for anyone exposed to infected birds or animals.

Last week, the USDA confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza had been detected in some dairy herds across several states ...  including Texas, Kansas, Michigan, and most recently in New Mexico and Idaho.

The USDA confirms wild migratory birds are believed to be the source of the infection.

Producers with the affected cows have reported a rapid onset illness in the herd, specifically among older, lactating cows.

Dairy farmers and veterinarians report that most affected cows recover in about two to three weeks.

Even though its only been found in dairy cattle it resulted in some market uncertainty in the US beef market earlier this week, while the hog markets seemed to gain some ground.

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Managing Severe PRRS Outbreaks - Dr. Claire Mtezankuni

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Claire Mtezankuni, Swine Veterinarian at Carthage Veterinary Service, discusses the growing severity of PRRS outbreaks in sow farms. She explains how respiratory disease and sow mortality are changing outbreak response, why necropsies and bacterial cultures can guide treatment, and how vaccination, biosecurity, pain management, and clear team communication support recovery and elimination. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Emerging PRRS strains can produce severe reproductive and respiratory disease simultaneously, creating substantial health challenges across sow farms during acute outbreaks.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Claire Mtezankuni / claire-mtezankuni-2529b1b3 is a Swine Veterinarian at Carthage Veterinary Service in Illinois, where her work includes commercial farm veterinary leadership, herd health, disease elimination, and veterinary internship coordination. She holds a DVM from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Master of Veterinary Science in Livestock Systems Health from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Learn more from Dr. Claire Mtezankuni on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.