Avian Influenza Detected in Dairy Cows and Seals in Multiple States

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been found in cattle in Texas and Kansas, likely transmitted from wild birds, with samples of unpasteurized milk testing positive for a strain of Type A H5N1 influenza. While the virus has affected the cattle, there is currently no high risk to humans, and contaminated milk has been disposed of. Although the virus is not a major concern for public health at this time, officials are monitoring the situation closely due to the potential for influenza strains to mutate and pose a pandemic threat.