Update on H5N1
H5N1 Cases
In the last 30 days, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in:
- 83 cases in poultry in six states.
- 16 cases in livestock in four states.
Access the list of detections.
To date, there have been no H5N1 detections in livestock in Wisconsin. Access the list of recent poultry detections in Wisconsin.
Raw Milk Cheese Studies
Beginning in December 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began a sampling assignment to collect and test aged raw cow’s milk cheese for H5N1. The objectives of the assignment were to determine whether H5N1 was present in the aged raw cow’s milk cheese and address any contaminated product to protect consumers. To date, FDA has taken 110 samples of the planned 299. Of those 110 samples, 96 were negative by PCR (meaning that H5N1 was not detected in the analyzed samples), and 14 are still in progress. This testing is expected to be completed by the end of March 2025.
Recently, FDA and New York State funded research conducted at Cornell University to assess whether aging raw milk cheese for at least 60 days is effective in reducing or eliminating viable H5N1. Today, FDA published a preview of this research showing that in this study, H5N1 survived (i.e. was viable) in non-heat treated raw milk cheese through and beyond the 60-day aging process. However, heating raw milk at 54°C (130°F) for at least 15 minutes of 60° C (140° F) for at least 10 seconds inactivated H5N1 in this research.
FDA has sampled a total of 464 pasteurized dairy products, including milk, butter, cheese, and ice cream, which all tested negative for viable H5N1. The FDA and USDA continue to emphasize that the commercial milk supply is safe because of the pasteurization process. USDA is also confident that the meat supply is safe.
Biosecurity and Monitoring
- Producers should continue to enhance biosecurity and monitor disease in their herds and flocks.
- Report herds and flocks with unexplained symptoms to DATCP at (608) 224-4872 (business hours) or (800) 943-0003 (after hours and weekends).
H5N1 Protocol: What to Do if H5N1 Is Confirmed on Your Dairy Farm
DATCP has created a resource document in case of a detection of H5N1 on a dairy farm. The document is intended to serve as a general reference for industry, but individual needs and response actions may differ for H5N1 detections depending on the operation and specific circumstances. Access the H5N1 Protocol: What To Do if H5N1 Is Confirmed on Your Dairy Farm document.
Wisconsin and the National Milk Testing Strategy
On December 6, 2024, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced the start of its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS). The NMTS builds on measures taken by USDA and federal and state partners since H5N1 was first detected in dairy cattle in March 2024.
Wisconsin is enrolled in the NMTS and, with the help from industry partners, will initiate sampling milk at the farm level in the coming weeks. Details on testing will be forthcoming, but at this time, DATCP expects to utilize samples that are already collected for routine milk testing to streamline the testing process.
Biosecurity Tips for Upcoming Events
With fairs, shows, and dairy breakfasts approaching, it's important to emphasize biosecurity:
Human Health Precautions
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Human cases of H5N1 have been reported following exposure to infected animals.
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) advises those working with animals to take precautions and wear PPE per CDC guidance.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk from H5N1 detections remains low.
Resources:
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