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Avian Flu Detected In Idaho Dairy Cows As Study Explores Role Of Virus RNA Detection In Bovine Semen

By Stephanie Soucheray

Inspection Service (APHIS) reported new detections of H5N1 avian flu, with positive tests revealing the virus in five Idaho dairy herds. 

The milking cows were the first avian flu detections in cattle since a Wisconsin report in December 2025. The new detection comes almost exactly two years since US officials first recorded avian influenza in dairy cattle.

RNA detected in bull semen 

In related news in Emerging Infectious Diseases, researchers examined bovine semen to determine if shedding of the virus in semen could result in silent viral spread within herds and across geographic regions through artificial insemination. 

The study, published yesterday, was based on observations of natural breeding bulls on an H5N1-affected dairy farm in California, and was inconclusive in determining if semen was a good conduit for the virus, with limited evidence of seroconversion.

Source : umn.edu

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Trade Uncertainty and Pork Growth - Cam Dahl

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Cam Dahl, General Manager of Manitoba Pork Council, discusses how trade uncertainty affects growth across Canadian pork production. He explains why CUSMA, market diversification, non-tariff barriers, access to capital, labor needs, and producer advocacy all matter as the industry plans for investment, exports, and long-term competitiveness. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Trade uncertainty makes access to capital difficult when producers and processors are ready to invest and grow."

Meet the guest: Cam Dahl / cam-dahl-58115832 is the General Manager of Manitoba Pork Council. He has extensive leadership experience across Canadian agriculture, including Cereals Canada, the Canada Grains Council, Manitoba Beef Producers, and the Canadian Grain Commission. His work focuses on policy, advocacy, trade, business development, and strengthening market opportunities for Canadian producers. Learn more from Cam Dahl on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.