Urner Barry Newswires - April 29, 2024
In March 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, was confirmed in domestic U.S. livestock for the first time in a dairy operation in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread to 33 dairy operations across eight states, raising widespread uncertainty throughout the dairy and livestock markets. Industry participants have raised concerns about the outbreak's potential impact on consumer perception and demand for dairy and meat products, though government agencies reiterate that the national food supply remains safe. Urner Barry is closely monitoring the situation; check below for related coverage and a rolling factsheet on the latest developments.
Quick Facts
March 25, 2024: The first confirmed case of HPAI (H5N1) in U.S. dairy milking cattle was reported in Texas.
April 1, 2024: A farm worker believed to be working closely with HPAI-infected dairy cattle tested positive for bird flu. The patient reported conjunctivitis as their only symptom. This marked the second human case of bird flu in U.S. history.
April 21, 2024: USDA publishes H5N1 Influenza A Virus Genetic Sequences on a publicly available site.
April 24, 2024:
APHIS’ National Veterinary Services Laboratories discovered H5N1 in a lung tissue sample from an asymptomatic cull dairy cow that originated from an affected herd. The cow did not enter the food supply.
FDA reported traces of H5N1 virus in milk and pasteurized dairy.
USDA issued a Federal Order mandating testing and reporting of HPAI in livestock. The order goes into effect on Monday, April 29, 2024.
April 25, 2024:
FDA received initial results from its commercial milk sampling study, showing about 1 in 5 of the retail samples tested are quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-positive for HPAI viral fragments, with a greater proportion of positive results coming from milk in areas with infected herds. Note: qPCR-positive results do not necessarily represent actual virus that may be a risk to consumers.
Colombia became the first country to restrict U.S. beef imports due to bird flu in dairy cows.
April 26, 2024:
USDA issued testing guidance for labs for Influenza A in livestock.
USDA APHIS released requirements and recommendations for HPAI (H5N1) virus in livestock for state animal health officials, accredited veterinarians, and producers.
April 27, 2024:
USDA issued clarification regarding the movement of cattle through markets or auctions to slaughter, under the April 24 Federal Order. According to the clarification, "the Federal Order does not apply to the intrastate movement of a lactating dairy cow to a sale barn. Subsequent interstate movement for a lactating dairy cow from a sale barn directly to a slaughter facility requires only a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) stating that the animal is clinically healthy; no testing is necessary."
As of April 29, 2024: USDA confirmed H5N1 virus detections on 33 dairy cattle operations in eight states: Kansas, Idaho, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas.
Is the commercial milk supply safe?
The USDA and FDA stress that the commercial milk supply is safe. Furthermore, the CDC maintains a low risk to the general public. Pasteurization is likely to inactivate the virus. However, the process is not expected to remove the presence of viral particles.
FDA is reminding consumers of the risks associated with raw milk consumption.
Dairy animals that test positive for HPAI (H5N1) or are being treated must have their milk discarded, so as not to enter the food chain.
Have the bird flu outbreaks in dairy cattle affected the U.S. beef supply?
To date, we have received no reports of symptoms in beef herds. However, ongoing market uncertainty is keeping cattle and beef market participants on high alert. Live cattle and feeder futures experienced volatility following the initial outbreak of bird flu in dairy herds.
HPAI is not a food safety concern and consumers cannot contract HPAI from properly prepared meat.
How do Influenza A viruses infect birds and mammals? What are the symptoms?
Influenza A viruses infect the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts of birds causing birds to shed the virus in their saliva, mucous, and feces. Influenza A viruses can also infect the respiratory tract of mammals and cause systemic infection in other organ tissues.
Infection with the virus is causing decreased lactation, low appetite, and other symptoms in affected cattle.
HPAI causes less severe illness in cattle than in poultry, where the virus is typically fatal.
How does the virus spread between livestock and from livestock to people?
The virus is believed to originate from wild migratory birds, but USDA has confirmed that cow-to-cow transmission is a factor in the spread of bird flu in dairy herds.
Human infections with avian influenza A viruses can happen when enough virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth or is inhaled. Most human infections with H5N1 virus have occurred after unprotected exposures to sick or dead infected poultry.
People with close or prolonged unprotected contact with infected birds or animals or their contaminated environments are at greater risk of infection.
The wide geographic spread of HPAI A(H5N1) viruses in wild birds, poultry, and some other mammals, including cows, could create additional opportunities for people to be exposed to these viruses.
There is no evidence of sustained human-to-human H5N1 virus transmission, and limited, non-sustained human-to-human H5N1 virus transmission has not been reported worldwide since 2007.
The term “Highly Pathogenic” Avian Influenza attributed to the current H5N1 strain refers to severe impact in birds, not necessarily in humans.
How is H5N1 in livestock treated? Is there a vaccine?
Antibiotics are an ineffective treatment for the virus. However, animals may receive anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate symptoms. Strict withdrawal periods must be adhered to before milk can be used for human consumption or cattle can be slaughtered.
Vaccinations are a potential line of defense against H5N1. USDA is exploring the possibility of developing a poultry H5N1 vaccine to stock and use in an emergency. There is no determined timeline for the development of a vaccine, as many questions such as the cartelization of infection remain.
How will USDA’s Federal Order, effective April 29, impact the market?
Interstate movement of animals infected with HPAI (H5N1) was prohibited before the Federal Order was released. The order mandates a negative HPAI H5N1 test before dairy animals can cross state borders.
Interstate movement of livestock has always required a veterinary-issued health certificate. Now, dairy cattle must also test negative for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) lab.
The Federal Order should not affect U.S. trade based on current trade agreements. USDA has seen minimal impacts on markets. Click here for key highlights of the order.
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