H5N1 Detected in Arizona Cows While Raw Pet Food Sickens Cats
The H5N1 avian flu virus has been detected in an Arizona dairy herd, becoming the third known spillover into cattle. The virus was found in milk from a farm in Maricopa County. Unlike previous cases, the infected cows have not yet shown symptoms, though similar detections in Nevada eventually led to clinical illness.
Authorities link the spread to wild birds, warning dairy farmers to tighten biosecurity measures. In total, the USDA has confirmed 972 dairy cases nationwide, with the majority reported in California. The discovery raises concerns about the virus’s impact on livestock and milk production.
Meanwhile, in Oregon, two cats from different homes became seriously ill and were euthanized after consuming contaminated raw pet food. Tests confirmed that the food, produced by Wild Coast Raw, contained H5N1. Officials in Oregon and Washington have warned against feeding pets raw diets, as they pose a risk of viral exposure.
To address the worsening poultry outbreak, the USDA has granted conditional approval for an H5N2 vaccine for chickens, developed by Zoetis.
While the vaccine could help control the virus in poultry farms, trade restrictions remain a concern. Some countries ban poultry imports from vaccinated flocks, fearing it could mask infections.
Poultry outbreaks remain severe, with new cases confirmed in Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and California. Commercial farms have reported major losses, with millions of birds culled to contain the virus. Since 2022, the outbreak has affected over 162 million birds, contributing to egg shortages and rising prices.
With H5N1 spreading in livestock, poultry, and pet food, experts emphasize the need for heightened biosecurity, surveillance, and proactive measures to prevent further transmission.