CDC confirms person in contact with infected dairy cattle tested positive

As reported earlier today, CDC has confirmed HPAI H5N1 virus infection in a person in the U.S. – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that a person in the U.S. has tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza HPAI H5N1 virus, as reported by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services was in contact with an infected dairy herd. The patient reported eye redness (consistent with conjunctivitis), as their only symptom, and is recovering. The patient was told to isolate and is being treated with an antiviral drug for flu. CDC and Texas DSHS stated today that avian influenza (H5N1) viruses have only rarely been transmitted from person to person. As such, the risk to the general public remains low at this time.

As of this evening, USDA has confirmed HPAI in dairy herds in Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Michigan and Idaho – Press release found here. APHIS shared on March 29 that its National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, was working to confirm presumptive positive test results from New Mexico, Texas and Idaho herds.

NMPF producer webinar earlier today underscored existing guidance and resources – NMPF and the National Dairy FARM Program held a webinar this afternoon for producers, discussing HPAI in dairy cattle and offering up-to-date information on the rapidly evolving issue. The session included updates from USDA and an on-the-ground report from a field veterinarian working with affected cows. The session also explored the significance of reporting infected animals and identification and treatment protocols, and underscored the importance of biosecurity measures. Key findings included:

• Advanced biosecurity remains paramount – robust biosecurity protocols are critical to preventing and managing HPAI on dairy farms. HPAI is primarily spread by birds to animals, including mammals, and will spread on farms by people carrying matter from infected birds—such as dust, dander, and bird droppings—on their clothing, gloves, soles of their shoes, vehicle tires, animal trailers, and other equipment, in addition to contaminated water. As we learn more about vectors of transmission, guidance and resources may be expanded.
• Reporting is key – If farmers suspect their cows are sick, veterinarians should report illnesses to state vet authorities as soon as possible. USDA has told the dairy community and practitioners that cattle are expected to fully recover in a few weeks and there is no need to cull dairy cows as HPAI poses a low risk to human health. In the meantime, USDA strongly recommends limited or cautious movement of cattle, testing before moving cattle, and quarantining cattle upon arrival at their destination. USDA will continue to share information as they learn more.
• CDC recommends prevention measures for farm workers – CDC outlines recommendations for preventing exposures HPAI H5N1

Milk Safety

Pasteurization (high heat treatment) kills harmful pathogenic bacteria and other microorganisms, including viruses inclusive of HPAI. Routine testing and well-established protocols for U.S. dairy also continue to ensure that only safe milk enters the food supply. The federal Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) prohibits milk from sick cows from entering the food supply chain.

Additionally, USDA and FDA remind consumers that raw milk should not be consumed. As this situation continues to evolve, USDA and FDA strongly recommend that all raw milk and raw milk components be heat treated to a temperature and duration that kills harmful pathogenic bacteria and other microorganisms, including viruses inclusive of HPAI, regardless of the product’s intended use for human or animal consumption. FDA also recommends out of an abundance of caution that milk from cows in an affected herd not be used to produce raw milk cheeses.