Announcement

**Treyfish** · April 23, 2024, 12:42 PM

36 herds

Bird flu ‘likely spreading in cows since last year’ as concern grows over US virus detection systems

Experts say the apparent ability of the virus to spread among cattle provides opportunity for it to evolve to better infect other mammals

Maeve Cullinan, GLOBAL HEALTH SECURITY REPORTERand Sarah Newey, GLOBAL HEALTH SECURITY CORRESPONDENT
23 April 2024 • 5:41pm

There is a “strong possibility” that bird flu has been spreading in US cattle farms since last year, new analysis suggests, prompting questions about America’s pathogen surveillance capabilities.

Last month, the H5N1 strain was spotted in cows for the first time, shortly before a human case was detected in Texas. The virus, which has killed tens of millions of birds worldwide since 2020, was subsequently identified in 36 dairy herds across eight US states, raising concerns about its ability to infect mammals.

US health officials released genomic data taken from the infected cattle on Sunday, having previously said there is evidence of H5N1 spreading between cows. However, analysis of the data now indicates the virus may have been circulating in the animals since late 2023.

“It looks to me like a strong possibility that this has been circulating in cattle for months under our noses, even before the first inkling there might be something new in February,” said Professor Michael Worobey, a biologist at the University of Arizona who produced the analysis.

“This common ancestor may have existed around the end of 2023,” he added on X (formerly Twitter). “The common ancestor may have been in cattle, with only a single intro into cattle and subsequent spread. But we can’t rule out multiple jumps, later, from a largely avian reservoir.”
….

After mounting pressure, USDA released 239 genetic sequences of the H5N1 flu from poultry, wild birds, and dairy cows on Sunday evening, which scientists hoped would allow them to look for new clues about the virus’s spread.

However, the data was released without any information indicating where and when each animal was infected.

“It creates unnecessary delays and further is likely not a complete set of all the sequence data USDA has collected so far,” Dr Angela Rasmussen, a virologist
……

Access Denied

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/bird-flu-likely-spreading-in-us-cattle-since-last-year/

**Mary Wilson** · April 23, 2024, 05:46 PM

BREAKING NEWS: H5N1 bird flu virus particles found in pasteurized milk but FDA says commercial milk supply appears safe

April 23, 2024

By Helen Branswell , Nicholas Florko , Megan Molteni , and Rachel Cohrs Zhang

WASHINGTON — Testing conducted by the Food and Drug Administration on pasteurized commercially purchased milk has found genetic evidence of the H5N1 bird flu virus, the agency confirmed Tuesday. But the testing, done by polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, cannot distinguish between live virus or fragments of viruses that could have been killed by the pasteurization process.

The agency said it has been trying to see if it could grow virus from milk found to contain evidence of H5N1, which is the gold standard test to see if there is viable virus in a product. The lengthy statement the agency released does not explicitly say FDA laboratories were unable to find live virus in the milk samples, but it does state that its belief that commercial, pasteurized milk is safe to consume has not been altered by these findings.

“To date, we have seen nothing that would change our assessment that the commercial milk supply is safe,” the statement said. ...

“Some of the samples collected have indicated the presence of [H5N1] using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) testing,” the FDA wrote in a statement.

The FDA reiterated Tuesday that it believes the pasteurization process is “very likely” to inactivate H5N1, though the agency acknowledged that no studies have been done testing the impact of pasteurization on H5N1 viruses. ...

The FDA emphasized Tuesday that testing of commercially available milk is ongoing, and this includes efforts to discern any potential differences between different dairy products, such as cream and whole milk. ...

This is a developing story and it will be updated.

https://www.statnews.com/2024/04/23/...ized-milk-fda/

**sharon sanders** · April 23, 2024, 06:24 PM

Good move to release the pasturization information. We need raw stats...also a link to the pdf. The blanket reassurance is not smart. No one believes that without data. If you want proof of what can go wrong...look at the vaccine situations. Even decades proven safe and effective vaccines (like measles) are meeting stiff resistance now.

1) 100% disclosure. No b.s. Release all information now - even if it is not perfectly formulated.

2) Appoint someone to head a H5N1 task force. No political person. Pick a highly qualified science/medical person who is at the end of their career and has no aspirations to be famous. Pick someone who has no controversies and no connection to COVID-19 policy failures. Do not pick anyone from any commercial venture. i.e. no vaccine company.

3) Make a weekly update about the situation and what is being done to limit the spread/damage.

4) Communicate frequently with the public. No lying.

5) Establish a group of advisors who are openly connected to the affected industries for PUBLIC weekly discussions and action items assigned. The H5N1 task force leader is to run the meeting.

6) Establish a massive testing program. Get out there. Test, test, test, test. Train the state guards if necessary. How widespread is this H5N1 dairy cattle problem?

7) Stop being reactionary and get ahead of this situation. Be pro-active.

You peeps know what to do in outbreaks. Now do it.

**Treyfish** · April 23, 2024, 06:40 PM

Bird flu virus found in pasteurized milk, though officials maintain supply is safe

The FDA is waiting on test results on the effects of pasteurization on the virus in cow's milk, but to date, it's seen nothing that would change the assessment that commercial milk is safe.
April 23, 2024, 6:47 PM EDT
By Berkeley Lovelace Jr. and Erika Edwards
The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that fragments of the bird flu virus had been detected in some samples of pasteurized milk in the U.S. While the agency maintains that the milk is safe to drink, it notes that it is still waiting on the results of studies to confirm this.
....

The FDA has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate the outbreak.

The fragments of the virus were found while testing samples of pasteurized milk, the FDA said. The testing method, called PCR testing, looks for bits of genetic material; a positive result doesn’t mean that live, infectious virus has been found.

“Based on available information, pasteurization is likely to inactivate the virus, however the process is not expected to remove the presence of viral particles,” the agency said in a release that it plans to make public later Tuesday. “To date, we have seen nothing that would change our assessment that the commercial milk supply is safe.”

The FDA is specifically testing whether pasteurization inactivates bird flu in cow milk. The findings will be available in the “next few days to weeks,” it said.....

Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, said he was not surprised by the preliminary findings.

“If you tested most milk, you’d find E. coli and listeria and other things in it, too, but they’d all be dead. Pasteurization doesn’t take them out, it just kills them,” he said. That is, dead particles are unlikely to cause a person to get sick.

“I wouldn’t have any problem drinking milk tonight from an influenza standpoint at all,” Osterholm said. “My grandchildren could drink the milk tonight.”
.....
“We have a need for a lot of additional information that hasn’t been forthcoming,” Osterholm said. “We don’t know the epidemiology on these farms. We don’t know how many farms, how many samples. We have been very concerned.”....

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...ply-rcna149084

**Treyfish** · April 23, 2024, 06:42 PM

US FDA says commercial milk safe despite bird flu virus presence

Published 04/23/2024, 06:54 PM
Updated 04/23/2024, 07:30 PM

....."Based on available information, pasteurization is likely to inactivate the virus, however the process is not expected to remove the presence of viral particles," the FDA said.

https://www.investing.com/news/stock...esence-3392187

**sharon sanders** · April 23, 2024, 07:29 PM

Helen Branswell
@HelenBranswell
·
15m
1. So much today on the #H5N1 #birdflu story! Just coming up for air.
@US_FDA
has found genetic evidence of the virus in commercial milk, but so far it sounds like killed virus. More info on where they found it/how prevalent it was would be useful.

H5N1 bird flu virus particles found in pasteurized milk but FDA says commercial milk supply appears...
From statnews.com
2
30
58

3.6K
Helen Branswell
@HelenBranswell
·
15m
2. Despite the lack of metadata in the genetic sequence files
@USDA
uploaded Sunday, smart scientists have been able to glean some interesting stuff. Like this #H5N1 #birdflu outbreak probably started in late 2023 & is likely more widespread than it appears.
Show more
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2

**Treyfish** · April 23, 2024, 07:46 PM

Updates on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Content current as of:

04/23/2024

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a disease that is highly contagious and often deadly in poultry, caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5) and A (H7) viruses; it is also known as bird or avian flu. HPAI viruses can be transmitted by wild birds to domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Although bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans, sporadic human infections have occurred. It is important to note that “highly pathogenic” refers to severe impact in birds, not necessarily in humans.

Ongoing Work to Ensure Continued Effectiveness of Federal-State Milk Safety System - April 2024 Update

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with state partners, continue to investigate an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus impacting dairy cows in multiple states. Infection with the virus is causing decreased lactation, low appetite, and other symptoms in affected cattle.

The FDA and USDA have indicated that based on the information currently available, our commercial milk supply is safe because of these two reasons: 1) the pasteurization process and 2) the diversion or destruction of milk from sick cows.

The pasteurization process has served public health well for more than 100 years. Pasteurization is a process that kills harmful bacteria and viruses by heating milk to a specific temperature for a set period of time to make milk safer. Even if virus is detected in raw milk, pasteurization is generally expected to eliminate pathogens to a level that does not pose a risk to consumer health. However, pasteurization is different than complete sterilization; sterilization extends shelf life but is not required to ensure milk safety. While milk is pasteurized, not sterilized, this process has helped ensure the health of the American public for more than 100 years by inactivating infectious agents.

Nearly all (99%) of the commercial milk supply that is produced on dairy farms in the U.S. comes from farms that participate in the Grade “A” milk program and follow the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), which includes controls that help ensure the safety of dairy products. Pasteurization and diversion or destruction of milk from sick cows are two important measures that are part of the federal-state milk safety system.

There are a number of collective activities being undertaken to ensure the continued effectiveness of the federal-state milk safety system. In addition to these specific research activities, the FDA is collaborating closely with CDC's food safety group, as well as its surveillance team that’s monitoring emergency department data and flu testing data for any unusual trends in flu-like illness, flu, or conjunctivitis. To date, surveillance systems do not show any unusual trends or activity.

As noted by USDA and some press reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other sources, the presence of the virus has been detected in raw milk. Based on available information, pasteurization is likely to inactivate the virus, however the process is not expected to remove the presence of viral particles. Therefore, some of the samples collected have indicated the presence of HPAI using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) testing.

During the course of the outbreak, the FDA has been evaluating milk from affected animals, in the processing system, and on the shelves. We are completing a large representative national sample, to better understand the extent of these findings. Because qPCR findings do not represent actual virus that may be a risk to consumers, the FDA is further assessing any positive findings through egg inoculation tests, a gold-standard for determining viable virus. To date, we have seen nothing that would change our assessment that the commercial milk supply is safe. Results from multiple studies will be made available in the next few days to weeks.

Sound science is critical to informing public health decisions like those made by the FDA related to food safety and we take this current situation and the safety of the milk supply very seriously. We recognize the importance of releasing further, actionable information.

Review of Available Data

Given that the detection of H5N1 in dairy cows is a novel and evolving situation, no studies on the effects of pasteurization on HPAI viruses (such as H5N1) in bovine milk have previously been completed although considerable scientific literature is available that has informed our current understanding.

The established pasteurization process set forth in the PMO provides specific times and temperature requirements[i] for effective pasteurization of known pathogens in the milk supply. Data from previous studies[ii, iii], that serve as the underpinnings of the FDA’s current milk supply safety assessment show that pasteurization is very likely to effectively inactivate heat-sensitive viruses, like H5N1, in milk from cows and other species. Additionally, data[iv, v, vi] shows thermal inactivation of HPAI (H5N1) has been successful during the pasteurization process for eggs, which occurs at lower temperatures than what is used for milk.

Ongoing Research

U.S. government partners have been working with deliberate speed on a wide range of studies looking at milk along all stages of production -- on the farm, during processing and on shelves -- using well- established methodologies used previously to confirm pasteurization effectiveness for known pathogens.

This work is a top priority, and we are proceeding in an efficient, methodical, and scientific fashion to ensure the continued effectiveness and safety of the federal-state milk safety system.

Laboratory benchtop tests are the first part of this ongoing work. This includes testing laboratory generated samples inoculated with high levels of a recently isolated and closely related avian flu virus and samples of raw, unpasteurized milk directly from cows in affected herds with and without symptoms to understand how, and at what levels, heat treatment (pasteurization) inactivates the virus.

While this information is important, this testing alone cannot provide a complete picture as these samples are not representative of what we would expect to see in the real-world from milk routed to pasteurization and processing for commercial use.

In addition to lab testing, a critical step in the scientific confirmation process includes testing of milk that is representative of real-world scenarios in which milk is typically pooled in large amounts from numerous healthy cows from numerous farms before pasteurizing and processing.

Work is underway to test samples of milk in systems that represent current industry practices using the range of temperature and time combinations that are used in pasteurization processes.

Additional analysis is underway of milk on store shelves across the country in addition to work to evaluate any potential differentiation for various types of dairy products (e.g., whole milk, cream).

We are aware that universities or other entities are conducting work in this area, particularly universities and consortia supported by the National Institutes of Health. We look forward to reviewing all results generated from various scientific studies, testing methods and the product(s) used as we continue assessing all the data and information available. We are committed to collaborating with the broad community to come to sound scientific conclusions regarding this situation -- which it’s important to understand takes time.

Data Considerations

Multiple tests are used to assess the safety of food items. Understanding how and why different methodologies are used and work, as well as how results fit into the larger picture, is critical to interpret any findings.

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is a screening tool used to determine the presence or absence of an organism’s genetic material in a sample. A positive qPCR means that the genetic material from the targeted pathogen was detected in the sample, but that does not mean that the sample contains an intact, infectious pathogen. That’s because qPCR tests will also detect the residual genetic material from pathogens killed by heat, like pasteurization, or other food safety treatments. Importantly, additional testing is required to determine whether intact pathogen is still present and if it remains infectious, which determines whether there is any risk of illness associated with consuming the product.
Embryonated Egg Viability Studies are considered the “gold standard” for sensitive detection of active, infectious virus. These studies are one of the types of additional tests necessary following PCR testing. These studies are done by injecting an embryonated chicken egg with a sample and then evaluating to see whether any active virus replicates. While this provides the most sensitive results, it takes a longer time to complete than other methods.
Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) Cell Culture is different type of additional test used following PCR testing to detect live, infectious virus. This is done by injecting a sample into specific tissue cells to determine whether any live virus is present and replicates. This method can usually be done more quickly than embryonated egg viability studies, but it is not as sensitive and may provide false negative results when the amount of virus in the sample is very low.

Precautions for Raw Milk

The FDA has a long-standing recommendation to consumers not to consume raw milk (milk that has not been pasteurized). Because of the limited information available about the possible transmission of H5N1 virus via raw milk, the FDA continues to recommend that industry does not manufacture or sell raw milk or raw milk products, including raw milk cheese, made with milk from cows showing symptoms of illness, including those infected with avian influenza viruses or exposed to those infected with avian influenza viruses.

Importantly, the FDA has also recommended producers take precautions when discarding milk from affected cows so that the discarded milk does not become a source of further spread. Producers should consult with their state regulatory authorities for specific recommendations or requirements; however, such precautions should include heat treatment, pasteurization or its equivalent, of discarded milk prior to dumping in lagoons or application of waste solids and ensuring biosecurity around lagoons (e.g., ensuring that animals and birds do not have access to lagoons). Any raw milk or raw milk products from exposed cattle that are fed to calves (or to other animals, such as farm cats) should be heat treated or pasteurized.

Conclusion

The PMO and pasteurization continue to provide important measures to assure milk safety. Given this is the first time we have seen this virus affect cows, these are the first studies that have been initiated to look at the effectiveness of pasteurization on HPAI viruses such as H5N1 in bovine milk.

As previously noted, the FDA is collaborating closely with CDC's food safety group, as well as its surveillance team that’s monitoring emergency department data and flu testing data for any unusual trends in flu-like illness, flu, or conjunctivitis. To date, surveillance systems do not show any unusual trends or activity. Only one associated human case from a person exposed to infected cows has been linked with this outbreak in dairy cows to date and CDC says risk to the general public remains low.

The FDA and USDA are working closely to collect and evaluate additional data and information specific to H5N1 in dairy cattle and to support state counterparts as this emerging disease in dairy cattle is managed. These important efforts are ongoing, and we are committed to sharing results as soon as possible. In the meantime, the FDA and USDA continue to indicate that based on the information we currently have, our commercial milk supply is safe. Additional Resources

i. 21 CFR part 131 -- milk and cream. (n.d.). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2...ter-B/part-131

ii. Pitino, M. A., O’Connor, D. L., McGeer, A. J., & Unger, S. (2021). The impact of thermal pasteurization on viral load and detectable live viruses in human milk and other matrices: a rapid review. Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism, 46(1), 10–26. https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2020-0388 External Link Disclaimer

iii. Jay, J. M., Loessner, M. J., Golden, D. A., & Keller, H. B. (2005). Food Protection with High Temperatures. In Modern Food Microbiology (pp. 415–441). https://link.springer.com/chapter/10...387-23413-6_17 External Link Disclaimer

iv. Chmielewski, R. A., Beck, J. R., & Swayne, D. E. (2011). Thermal inactivation of avian influenza virus and Newcastle disease virus in a fat-free egg product. Journal of Food Protection, 74(7), 1161–1169. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-10-415 External Link Disclaimer https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-10-415 External Link Disclaimer

v. Chmielewski, R. A., Beck, J. R., & Swayne, D. E. (2013). Evaluation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s egg pasteurization processes on the inactivation of high-pathogenicity avian influenza virus and velogenic Newcastle disease virus in processed egg products. Journal of Food Protection, 76(4), 640–645. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-12-369 External Link Disclaimer

vi. Chmielewski, R. A., Beck, J. R., Juneja, V. K., & Swayne, D. E. (2013). Inactivation of low pathogenicity notifiable avian influenza virus and lentogenic Newcastle disease virus following pasteurization in liquid egg products. Lebensmittel-Wissenschaft Und Technologie [Food Science and Technology], 52(1), 27–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2013.01.002 External Link Disclaimer

https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advi...influenza-hpai

**Treyfish** · April 23, 2024, 08:05 PM

FDA finds traces of H5N1 bird flu viruses in grocery store milk but says pasteurized dairy products are still safe

By Brenda Goodman, CNN
6 minute read
Published 8:27 PM EDT, Tue April 23, 2024

.......Dr. Eric Topol, founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, said the finding of viral particles in milk on grocery store shelves means the outbreak is probably more widespread than we’ve known.

“The dissemination to cows is far greater than we have been led to believe,” Topol said in an email Tuesday.

“The FDA assurance that the dairy supply is safe is nice, but it’s not based on extensive assessment yet, which they acknowledge, and won’t engender trust and confidence because it comes in the wake of USDA mishandling,” he added.

.....The USDA said it has encouraged farmers and ranchers to report cases of sick cattle to state animal health officials.

But neither cows nor the people who work or live around them are being widely screened for the infection, which would require informed consent. Testing of wastewater in areas with outbreaks is also being discussed.
.....
Instead, the CDC is monitoring emergency department data and flu testing data in areas where H5N1 viruses have been detected in dairy cattle for any unusual trends in flu-lik...e illness, flu or conjunctivitis. “So far, these data remain in expected ranges, and to date, surveillance systems do not show any unusual trends or activity,” according to information in a statement compiled by officials at the CDC.

CDC spokesperson Jason McDonald said that 23 people with exposures to H5N1 had been tested, including one person in Texas who previously tested positive. No other people have tested positive in the current outbreak, he said.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/23/healt...fda/index.html

**Pathfinder** · April 24, 2024, 08:54 AM

A single spillover, from a bird to a cow, led to the infections, a review of genetic data has found.

By Apoorva Mandavilli
April 24, 2024, 7:35 a.m. ET

The bird flu outbreak in American dairy cattle may have begun in January, or even as early as December, a new analysis of genetic data suggests.
...
It is unclear exactly how the cows became infected, but the most likely source is feces or other secretions from a wild bird infected with the virus.
...
On Sunday, the department published 239 genetic sequences, but it omitted some details regarding the locations from which they were obtained and the dates.

Still, the information is enough to glean that a single spillover event months ago, from bird to cow, set off the outbreak, said Michael Worobey, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona.

Dr. Worobey said he worked late into Monday night and early Tuesday morning analyzing the genetic information. He found that the sequences all carried the same set of mutations that allow the virus to infect mammals — which would be unlikely had the virus jumped from birds to cows more than once.

He said that “this really does just look like a single introduction.”
...
“If this really is something that’s been going on for this long, it seems quite plausible that it’s moved already out of the U.S.,” Dr. Worobey said. Canada imports cattle from the United States, he noted.
...

nytimes.com

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/24/health/bird-flu-cows-genetic.html

-----------------------------------------
See also:

US - H5N1 genetic sequences - 2024
https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/the-pandemic-discussion-forum/989325-us-h5n1-genetic-sequences-2024

**Pathfinder** · April 24, 2024, 11:02 AM

Translation Google

Avian flu: should we be concerned about milk contaminated with the H5N1 virus?

AFP| Published on April 24, 2024 at 11:29 am

Should we be worried after the discovery in the United States of milk contaminated by the H5N1 virus, the cause of avian flu? No, according to experts, who consider that there is very little risk of contamination through food.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT MILK CONTAMINATED IN THE UNITED STATES BY THE H5N1 VIRUS?

Traces of this H5N1 virus have been detected in pasteurized cow's milk in the United States, American authorities said on Tuesday.

During a large national investigation, viral particles were discovered in “milk from affected animals, in the processing system and on the shelves,” announced the United States Medicines Agency (FDA).

HOW TO EXPLAIN THIS CONTAMINATION?

Avian influenza A (H5N1) first appeared in 1996, but since 2020 the number of outbreaks in birds has exploded and an increasing number of mammal species are affected.

Last month cows and goats joined the list, a surprising development for experts because they are not considered susceptible to this type of flu.

“A new H5N1 virus has mixed in the United States with local viruses and has the particularity of multiplying extremely well in the udders of cows,” Jean-Claude Manuguerra, director of the research unit and expertise in “Environment and infectious risks” at the Institut Pasteur, explains to AFP.

Although the H5N1 strain has killed millions of poultry during the current wave, affected cows have not become seriously ill.

IS THERE AN INCREASED RISK OF A PANDEMIC TODAY?

“Is finding traces of virus in milk an alarming sign? No, even if the fact that there is an additional animal that is capable of being infected by this virus is not good news,” says Bruno Lina, professor of virology at Lyon University Hospital.

“We have the risk of seeing the appearance of sporadic cases, both in animals and in humans. On the other hand, we are not observing a major modification of the virus which would lead to a higher risk of pandemic than two or three months ago,” he reassures.

SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED ABOUT HUMAN HEALTH?

An outbreak of avian flu infected a person in Texas in early April, who presented mild symptoms - conjunctivitis - after being in direct contact with a cow.

“What we know is that this virus can cause an infection in humans if it is found in two very specific places: on the conjunctiva of the eye – and it is a mild infection – or at the level of the pulmonary alveolus, deep within the lung,” explains Bruno Lina.

In this second case, the infection can be serious. Of some 900 human cases of H5N1 infection recorded over the past 20 years by the World Health Organization (WHO), half have been fatal.

But the risks appear non-existent in the event of consumption of pasteurized milk where traces of virus have been detected: “pasteurization destroyed the virus even if it does not remove all traces of its presence,” explains Mr. Lina.

IN FRANCE, THE COUNTRY OF CHEESE AND RAW MILK, IS THE RISK HIGHER?

“Will a person, exposed to unpasteurized milk contaminated with H5N1, develop an infection via the normal milk passage circuit - mouth, digestive tract, etc. -? It has never been shown,” reassures Mr. Lina.

The strain currently circulating in the United States is, in any case, different from those circulating in Europe, recalls Mr. Manuguerra.

Furthermore, there is currently no circulation of this influenza virus among French cattle, he maintains.

“The alert is given, there is particular vigilance and these viruses change so much that we must monitor them, no pun intended, like milk on the stove,” he adds. But “I think that the consumer should absolutely not worry.”

https://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2024/04/24/grippe-aviaire-doit-on-sinquieter-du-lait-contamine-par-le-virus-h5n1

**Pathfinder** · April 24, 2024, 12:01 PM

Federal Order Requiring Testing for and Reporting of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in
Livestock

April 24, 2024

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA), is issuing this Federal Order to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
HPAI is a contagious viral disease of domestic poultry and wild birds. HPAI is deadly to domestic poultry
and can wipe out entire flocks within a matter of days. HPAI is a threat to the poultry industry, animal
health, human health, trade, and the economy worldwide. In the US, HPAI has now been detected in dairy
cattle.

This Federal Order is issued in accordance with the regulatory authority provided by the Animal Health
Protection Act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. § 8301 et seq. Section 8305 authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture
to prohibit or restrict the movement in interstate commerce of any animal, article, or means of conveyance
if the Secretary determines that the prohibition or restriction is necessary to prevent the introduction of
any pest or disease of livestock into the United States or the dissemination of any pest or disease of
livestock within the United States. Section 8308 authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out
operations and measures to detect, control, or eradicate any pest or disease of livestock. Section 8315
authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue orders as he determines necessary to carry out the Animal
Health Protection Act. Should this Order be deemed a substantive rule, APHIS has determined that good
cause exists to impose these requirements without notice and comment, as further delay would threaten to
hasten the spread of the disease, multiplying the potential harm to livestock, poultry, the dairy industry,
and, potentially, human health.

On February 8, 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed HPAI H5N1virus in a
commercial poultry flock in the United States. Since February 2022, USDA has worked swiftly with
states and poultry producers to identify and respond to over 1,100 HPAI detections on poultry farms and
mitigate the virus’ impact on U.S. poultry production and trade.

Since late March 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, state veterinary and public health officials and the National Animal
Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratories have been investigating the emergence of the HPAI,
H5N1 virus in dairy cows. The National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) is a nationally
coordinated network and partnership of Federal, State and university-associated animal diagnostic
laboratories. The laboratories are trained and proficiency tested by USDA’s National Veterinary Services
Laboratories (NVSL) to perform official federal animal health testing; the network provides ongoing
disease surveillance, responds quickly to disease events, communicates diagnostic outcomes to decision
makers, and has the capability and capacity to meet diagnostic needs during animal disease outbreaks.
APHIS will provide reimbursement for testing at NAHLN labs, including samples submitted for (1) dairy
cattle suspected of disease due to clinical signs, (2) pre-movement testing, (3) producers interested in the
disease status of their asymptomatic animals, and (4) samples taken from other animals on dairies
associated with this disease event.

As of April 24, 2024, USDA has confirmed HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus detections on 33 dairy cattle
premises in 8 states (Kansas, Idaho, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas).
USDA has also confirmed - based on specific phylogenetic evidence and epidemiological information -
that 8 poultry premises in 5 states (Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico and Texas) have also been
infected with the same HPAI H5N1virus genotype detected in dairy cattle. Additionally, APHIS’ National
Veterinary Services Laboratories found HPAI in a lung tissue sample from an asymptomatic cull dairy
cow that originated from an affected herd and which did not enter the food supply.

HPAI has already been recognized as a threat by USDA, and the interstate movement of animals infected
with HPAI is already prohibited. See 9 C.F.R. 71.3(b). However, the detection of this new distinct HPAI
H5N1 virus genotype in dairy cattle poses a new animal disease risk for dairy cattle - as well as an
additional disease risk to domestic poultry farms - since this genotype can infect both cattle and poultry.
In order to continue to monitor and understand the extent of this virus and reduce the risk of further
disseminating HPAI H5N1 virus, resulting in greater threats to poultry and livestock, this Federal Order
requires the following measures, effective Monday, April 29, 2024.

Mandatory Testing for Interstate Movement of Dairy Cattle

• Prior to interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive a negative test for Influenza A
virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory.
• Owners of herds in which dairy cattle test positive for interstate movement will be required to
provide epidemiological information, including animal movement tracing.
• Dairy cattle moving interstate must adhere to conditions specified by APHIS.
• As will be described in forthcoming guidance, these steps will be immediately required for
lactating dairy cattle, while these requirements for other classes of dairy cattle will be based on
scientific factors concerning the virus and its evolving risk profile.

Mandatory Reporting

• Laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive Influenza A nucleic acid detection
diagnostic results (e.g. PCR or genetic sequencing) in livestock to USDA APHIS.
• Laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive Influenza A serology diagnostic results
in livestock to USDA APHIS.

For more information regarding this Federal Order go to HPAI Detections in Livestock Page.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/dairy-federal-order.pdf

**Treyfish** · April 24, 2024, 12:27 PM

From above..
Additionally, APHIS’ National
Veterinary Services Laboratories found HPAI in a lung tissue sample from an asymptomatic cull dairy
cow that originated from an affected herd and which did not enter the food supply...

Not liking that statement

**sharon sanders** · April 24, 2024, 12:40 PM

This is not adequate.

We need widespread mandatory sentinel testing across the entire US to see what is going on genetically and practically. The federal government should pay and/or reimburse the states for it.

**Treyfish** · April 24, 2024, 01:01 PM

US beef importers await impact as New York, Dominican Rep., Colombia impose bird flu-related import curbs
24 Apr 2024 | 16:56 UTC

AuthorJohn-Laurent Tronche

Imported beef prices have trended lower this week

If Asia or Europe excludes US beef, 'then we'll see some impacts'

'Specific group of slaughter plants,' US meat exporters group says

The US state of New York, and Colombia and the Dominican Republic, have become the first political entities to impose restrictions on imports of dairy cattle from the US states with confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, more commonly known as "bird flu."For full access to real-time updates, breaking news, analysis, pricing and data visualization subscribe today.

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AGRICULTURE
24 Apr 2024 | 16:56 UTC

The US state of New York, and Colombia and the Dominican Republic, have become the first political entities to impose restrictions on imports of dairy cattle from the US states with confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, more commonly known as "bird flu." ....
However, market sources said it was too early to tell in which direction domestic and imported beef prices will trend on those restrictions.

"If we start getting export limitations, it depends on what we're sending" to those destinations, a US beef importer said. "If we're exporting round cuts, that will just add more round cuts to our supply here, which are already at a value to put into ground beef."

Instead, if the countries are importing offal, by-products and omasums (or cows' stomachs) then the US could be stuck with products it typically does not use.
....Earlier this week, Colombia prohibited the import of fresh and frozen beef and beef products derived from cattle slaughtered within those eight states, according to updated guidance from the US Department of Agriculture.

"It's a partial suspension of US beef from a specific group of slaughter plants," US Meat Export Federation spokesperson Joe Schuele said of Colombia. Colombia is understood to have okayed beef from cattle slaughtered prior to April 16, while cattle slaughtered after that date would be prohibited.

"The Dominican Republic has not published anything official to the export library but there have been for a few days now some shipments of US beef from those states that have been delayed or detained or struggled to gain clearance," Schuele added.

The Dominican Republic imported 8,250 mt of US beef valued at $94.59 million in 2022, the latest figures available from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Colombia imported 6,975 mt of beef valued at $43.55 million in the same period.....

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For some reason the direct link does not work, please copy paste the link below:

https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/en/market-insights/latest-news/agriculture/042424-us-beef-importers-await-impact-as-new-york-dominican-rep-colombia-impose-bird-flu-related-import-curbs

**sharon sanders** · April 24, 2024, 01:02 PM

Originally posted by sharon sanders View Post

This is not adequate.

We need widespread mandatory sentinel testing across the entire US to see what is going on genetically and practically. The federal government should pay and/or reimburse the states for it.

I am not aware of any federal program that is financially assisting with the farm losses. Do you know what happens in one country that does not compensate farmers for H5N1 poultry losses? Magically the farms have a fire - usually it is a faulty circuit. It appears insurance companies pay off on fire losses.

This situation could be far reaching..like to the insurance companies for business losses. Not to mention underreporting of infected flocks, herds, etc.

Think way ahead...other industries could be affected too.....where is the H5N1 "tsar"?

Announcement

Discussion thread: H5N1 avian flu in US dairy cows including human cases (poultry, dairy workers) - March 24, 2024 +

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