On Sept. 15, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13 in a dairy cattle herd in Nebraska.

Here is the news affecting a dairy farmer's bottom line this third week of May 2025.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), otherwise known as bird flu, has recently impacted dairy herds in certain regions. While this isn’t the typical scenario dairy producers are accustomed to, it offers us an important opportunity to revisit the fundamental care principles we extend to our cattle – principles not so different from what we seek when we’re down with the flu ourselves.

As the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu continues to present challenges in dairy herds, the need for practical treatment strategies arises. This article walks through the critical first steps dairies should take when faced with a positive bulk tank test, common clinical signs to watch for, recommended treatment strategies and equipment to manage sick cows effectively.

Bird flu or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was a wild card for the dairy industry in 2024, as the first diagnosis in dairy cattle happened in Texas in late March. Progressive Dairy interviewed state veterinarians and animal health officials in the five states with the most cases of bird flu on dairy farms – Texas, Idaho, Michigan, Colorado and California – to learn more about their approach to managing and minimizing the disease.

In the news at the end of February 2025: commercialization efforts underway for HPAI vaccine for dairy, data quantifies beef-on-dairy value, and the world’s first lab-made cow milk is released.