H5N1 Cases Climb
H5N1 is gaining ground in dairy herds this fall, and every farm needs to take it seriously. So far in 2026, 137 dairy farms have been affected, 47 of them in just the last 30 days. Cases have turned up in Kansas, Idaho, Utah and Texas, and Washington and Indiana recently confirmed their first-ever detections.
We’re continuing to work with allied organizations to urge USDA to grant emergency use authorization for an H5N1 vaccine for dairy cattle. Until then, strong biosecurity and worker protection remain our best tools. Our member alert covers the warning signs to watch for and practical steps to protect your herd and your employees. Our H5N1 webpage has more on biosecurity, testing and reporting. Whether or not the virus has reached your area, now’s the time to get ready.
Screwworm Spread Continues Along Southern Border
New World screwworm has been found in areas with dairies in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, and while no dairy cattle have been infested so far, farmers should stay on alert. Confirmed U.S. infestations hit 116 this week, plus six detections in fly traps. Those detections now stretch nearly 1,350 miles along the Mexico border, from Nogales, AZ, to Hidalgo, TX. If you farm anywhere in the Southwest, keep a close eye on your animals, especially any wounds, and call your veterinarian right away if something looks suspicious. Visit our screwworm webpage for more information and resources.
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