Farms.com Home   News

Rising Avian Flu Cases in U.S. Cattle and Belgian Cats

Mar 11, 2025
By Farms.com

H5N1 Virus Detected in Cats and U.S. Farm Animals

The H5N1 avian flu virus has made its first appearance in domestic cats in Belgium, reported by the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain, with two cases leading to euthanasia due to severe symptoms. This incident on a poultry farm adds to the growing list of species affected by this versatile virus.

In the United States, the avian flu situation is escalating with new cases identified in domestic cats and further spread in poultry and dairy cattle. Karen DeMarco of Hunterdon County highlighted the proactive measures being taken - "Health department staff are conducting daily symptom monitoring with all individuals who had close contact with the affected animals, and all are asymptomatic at this time."

The ongoing outbreak has significantly impacted the agriculture sector, with the USDA reporting losses across poultry populations and new detections in commercial farming operations. This has led to a sharp increase in biosecurity measures to curb the spread.

The detection of avian flu in diverse animal populations underscores the need for comprehensive monitoring and response strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect both agricultural outputs and public health.


Trending Video

CEOs of the Industry – Rob Brenneman, CEO of Brenneman Pork

Video: CEOs of the Industry – Rob Brenneman, CEO of Brenneman Pork

“From Pork Production to Performance Nutrition: A Candid Conversation with One of the Industry’s Most Unconventional Thinkers”

CEOs of the Industry, we sit down with Rob Brenneman, the visionary behind Brenneman Pork, for an unfiltered, in-depth conversation on leadership, survivability, nutrition, and the future of pig farming.

Rob shares how a deep-rooted commitment to **health—both animal and personal—**drives his philosophy and decision-making. From reshaping pork nutrition and advocating for the return of well-marbled, flavorful pork to confronting the ongoing battle with PRRS and other health threats, Rob’s insights reflect decades of hands-on experience and bold innovation.

Key themes include: Nutrition Reimagined: Why the industry went off course—and how Brenneman Pork is leading change by prioritizing gut health, fat quality, and real performance.

Health & Survivability: Rob’s take on biosecurity, disease management, and the systems and protocols that protect both pigs and profitability.

Well-Marbled Pork as Premium Protein: The science, consumer insights, and culinary feedback behind Rob’s mission to reintroduce pork as a premium, flavorful protein.

Sustainability & Farm Culture: How Brenneman Pork balances environmental responsibility with day-to-day positivity and resilience.

Generational Impact: Strategies to attract, inspire, and retain the next wave of pork producers with pride and purpose.

Plus, a fast-paced finale where Rob shares his top pork pick, leadership lessons, and what he’d change overnight in the industry.

Whether you're a producer, nutritionist, policymaker, or future leader, this episode offers a masterclass in where pork production is headed—and how visionaries like Rob are shaping it.