Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Outbreak in Cattle

Last updated: 06/10/2024

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is working with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) to monitor a national outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also called avian flu or bird flu, that has appeared in dairy cattle. "Highly pathogenic" bird flu is a disease that causes severe illness and death in birds. The H5N1 strain has been found in wild birds and occasionally domesticated poultry (such as chickens and turkeys) in the United States since 2022.

Since March 2024, USDA has confirmed that cows on dairy farms in at least 12 states have tested positive for H5N1 bird flu. H5N1 bird flu virus has been found in raw (unpasteurized) milk and secretions from the nose of cows on these farms. This is the first time H5N1 infections have been found in cattle.

Information about the current outbreak in cattle is below. For more information about bird flu, see Questions and Answers about Avian Influenza (Bird Flu).

Can people get sick from this strain of bird flu?

The risk to the general public from this strain of bird flu is low. Rarely, bird flu can be passed to humans who have had direct contact with infected birds and mammals, including cattle. Several people have had confirmed H5N1 bird flu infections in the United States since 2022, including multiple workers on dairy farms who worked with infected cattle. As of now, all the human cases in the United States have had mild disease and made full recoveries.

To date, this H5N1 strain of bird flu has not spread from person to person.

Has H5N1 bird flu been detected in New York?

To date, there have been no human cases of H5N1 bird flu and no detections in cattle in New York. Since 2022, H5N1 bird flu has been found in domestic poultry, wild birds, and a few species of mammals in New York.

Is it safe to drink milk?

Yes, drinking milk from the commercial milk supply is safe because it is pasteurized. Pasteurization, or heating milk to kill germs, kills the bird flu virus, so people cannot get infected from drinking pasteurized milk. Raw (unpasteurized) milk is never safe to drink, and NYSDOH strongly recommends that people do not drink raw milk or eat products made from raw milk.

How can farm workers protect themselves?

Individuals who work with poultry or dairy cattle may be at increased risk of HPAI infection. To reduce this risk, anyone who works directly with birds or cattle should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) around animals that might be or are known to be ill with bird flu. This PPE should include an N95 respirator, eye protection, gloves, footwear, fluid-resistant coveralls, head cover or hair cover, and a waterproof apron, if needed for job task. More information about PPE for farmworkers can be found here.

How is NYSDOH responding to H5N1 bird flu?

While the risk of H5N1 bird flu to people is currently considered low, NYSDOH is closely monitoring the national dairy cattle outbreak and preparing to respond in case of a detection in New York cattle. We are working closely with other agencies including the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stay up to date on the latest outbreak data.

If a person is exposed to an animal with H5N1 bird flu in New York, NYSDOH works with local health departments to monitor that person for flu-like illness and test them for bird flu if they develop symptoms.

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