H5N1 Detections in US Dairy Cattle Reach 1,000

Apr 09, 2025

By Lisa Schnirring

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today reported two more H5N1 avian flu detections in dairy herds, one in California and the other in Nevada, raising the nation's total to 1,000 since March 2024.

California has been the hardest-hit state, and though detections have dropped sharply, sporadic H5N1 confirmations continue and have now reached 759 in that state. In December 2024 when the situation was intensifying in California dairy cattle with spread beyond the Central Valley, the state's governor announced a state of emergency to shore up the state's response.

Nevada has now reported 11 outbreaks since December 2024. In early February, the USDA reported a new spillover from birds to cattle in the Nevada outbreak. It involves the D1.1 genotype, which is distinct from the B3.13 genotype implicated in earlier dairy cattle outbreaks.

More poultry detections in 2 states

Over the past 2 days, APHIS confirmed two more detections in poultry flocks. They involve backyard birds in Colorado's Larimer County and another live-bird market in New York's Queens County.

Outbreaks of H5N1 in US poultry began in early 2022 and have led to the loss of more than 168 million birds across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Source : umn.edu

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.