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H5N1 Found in Dairy Cattle Retains Preference for Infecting Birds, Representing Low Risk to Humans

Avian influenza virus from the ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle appears to be keeping its bird-infecting features rather than adapting to better infect other mammals, according to a new study from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Since 2024, when scientists first detected H5N1 bird flu in dairy cattle, they have worried that the virus would use the animals as a bridge to mutate and gain the ability to better infect and spread in humans. The St. Jude researchers tested a panel of these viruses from dairy cows, finding they had more molecular and biological features in common with avian than human flu viruses.

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How Swine Nutrition Can Revolutionize Biogas Production - Dr. Felipe Hickmann

Video: How Swine Nutrition Can Revolutionize Biogas Production - Dr. Felipe Hickmann


In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Felipe Hickmann from Laval University explores how nutritional strategies and manure management impact biogas production in pig farming. He breaks down the science behind anaerobic digestion at low temperatures and explains how dietary adjustments affect methane production and environmental sustainability. Learn how producers can reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Lowering crude protein can reduce nitrogen in manure, but only if animal intake doesn’t compensate by increasing feed consumption."

Meet the guest: Dr. Felipe Hickmann / felipe-hickmann-963853a6 is a PhD research assistant at Laval University, specializing in swine and poultry sustainability. With extensive experience in manure management, nutritional strategies, and precision livestock technologies, he contributes to improving environmental outcomes in animal agriculture.