Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu Spreads to Cattle in the US: Precautions for Livestock Workers and Owners

Texas, United States United States of America
A dairy worker was diagnosed with H5N1 after likely contracting it from cattle while experiencing only eye inflammation.
Avian flu can be spread directly by infected animals or indirectly through exposed items like equipment, feed, and clothing.
Avian flu can be spread indirectly through long-distance transportation of cows for factory farms, allowing diseases to jump to new regions.
Highly pathogenic avian flu, H5N1, has infected both wild aquatic birds and domestic poultry in the US since early 2022.
Livestock workers and owners of backyard flocks should take extra precautions to prevent contact between domestic and wild birds, wash hands before and after handling birds, disinfect boots and other supplies, not share equipment between coops or farms, give birds well or municipal water to drink, and ensure that wild animals can't access poultry feed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are closely monitoring these developments.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has reported seven occurrences of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at commercial facilities in Michigan since 2022.
The virus has spread to cattle with cases reported in 16 herds across six states.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu Spreads to Cattle in the US: Precautions for Livestock Workers and Owners

Since early 2022, a highly pathogenic strain of avian flu, H5N1, has infected both wild aquatic birds and domestic poultry in the United States. The virus has spread to cattle as well, with cases reported in 16 herds across six states. In Texas, a dairy worker was diagnosed with H5N1 after likely contracting it from cattle while experiencing only eye inflammation.

Avian flu is not new and originates in wild aquatic fowl, passing on to chickens, turkeys, and other domesticated birds. The H5N1 strain has already been detected in over 200 mammals including humans in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are closely monitoring these developments. Livestock workers and owners of backyard flocks should take extra precautions, such as enhancing biosecurity protocols, preventing contact between domestic and wild birds, washing hands before and after handling birds, disinfecting boots and other supplies, not sharing equipment between coops or farms, giving birds well or municipal water to drink, and ensuring that wild animals can't access poultry feed.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has reported seven occurrences of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at commercial facilities in Michigan since 2022. The affected farm is under quarantine, and the birds will be depopulated to prevent further spread of the disease.

Avian flu can be spread directly by infected animals or indirectly through exposed items like equipment, feed, and clothing. Producers are asked to assess risks on their premises and tighten protocols as wild birds continue to migrate and conditions remain ideal for the virus to spread.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reported outbreaks in commercial poultry operations in Minnesota, New Mexico, Kansas, and Michigan. The latest updates from APHIS note a second outbreak in Ionia County poultry at a commercial table egg processor that has over 2.1 million birds.

The American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) is trying to rebrand bird flu in cows as Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV). However, it's important to note that animal agriculture is a leading cause of deforestation and zoonotic diseases due to human-animal encounters. Long-distance transportation of cows for factory farms allows diseases to jump to new regions.

Public health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and advising producers and the public on necessary precautions. It's crucial that we remain vigilant in preventing further spread of this virus.


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Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • Are there any confirmed cases of humans contracting avian flu from cattle other than the Texas dairy worker?
  • Is the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's reporting accurate and up-to-date?

Sources

77%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

The dairy industry really, really doesn’t want you to say "bird flu in cows"

Vox Media LTD Marina Bolotnikova Tuesday, 16 April 2024 11:15
  • Unique Points
    • Bird flu, specifically H5N1, has infected over 20 dairy herds across eight states in the US.
    • The American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) is trying to rebrand bird flu in cows as Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV).
    • Animal agriculture is a leading cause of deforestation and zoonotic diseases due to human-animal encounters.
    • Long-distance transportation of cows for factory farms allows diseases to jump to new regions.
  • Accuracy
    • H5N1 strain has spread to cattle in sixteen herds across six states.
    • One Texas dairy worker contracted a mild case of bird flu from an impacted farm.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article contains selective reporting and emotional manipulation. The author only reports details that support her position of the dairy industry trying to rebrand bird flu in cows as something other than bird flu. She uses phrases like 'wild stuff' and 'weirdest' to manipulate the reader's emotions. Additionally, she implies that the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) is trying to hide something by renaming the disease, but she does not provide any evidence for this implication.
    • This may be one of the weirdest things I’ve seen over the last two years, and it’s more than just a terminological or political spat: It reflects an inescapable paradox about how we produce food.
    • They’re worried about selling products.
    • But industry vets are trying to rebrand bird flu so that we keep calm and keep buying cheeseburgers.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author commits the fallacy of Dichotomous Depiction by presenting the situation as if there are only two options: either accept the industry's rebranding of bird flu in cows as Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV) or be fear-mongering. This oversimplification ignores the complexities and potential risks involved.
    • The American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) declared in a statement that it doesn’t believe bird flu in cows should be considered bird flu at all.
    • They’re worried about selling products.
  • Bias (80%)
    The author expresses a clear bias against the dairy industry by using language that depicts them as trying to rebrand bird flu in cows to maintain consumer confidence and keep selling products. She also implies that the industry is contributing to human disease risk and is a major driver of zoonotic diseases.
    • But animal agriculture's land use can be shrunk through intensification – densely packing animals into factory farms – which limits deforestation and helps reduce meat’s climate footprint. But such operations are terrible for animal welfare, and they exacerbate zoonotic disease risk in other ways, allowing viruses to rapidly tear through factory farms filled with thousands of stressed, genetically identical animals.
      • covering bird flu over the last two years, I’ve seen a lot of wild stuff, but this may be one of the weirdest. And it’s more than just a terminological or political spat: It reflects an inescapable paradox about how we produce food.
        • They're worried about selling products.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        100%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Why the spread of bird flu to a Texas dairy worker is so alarming

        The Fixing Site: A Summary of the Article. Leana S. Tuesday, 16 April 2024 10:30
        • Unique Points
          • Since early 2022, a highly pathogenic strain of avian flu, H5N1, has infected wild aquatic birds and domestic poultry in the United States.
          • , More than 85 million birds have died or been culled due to the virus or exposure to infected birds.
          • , A dairy worker in Texas was diagnosed with H5N1 after likely contracting it from cattle, experiencing only eye inflammation.
          • , Avian influenza is not new and originates in wild aquatic fowl, passing on to chickens, turkeys and other domesticated birds.
          • , The H5N1 strain has already been detected in over 200 mammals including humans in the United States.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        97%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Avian Influenza In Cattle And A Person Prompts Health Advisory From CDC

        Forbes Magazine Dave Wessner Tuesday, 16 April 2024 00:00
        • Unique Points
          • Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been identified in cattle throughout the United States, with 28 cases confirmed as of April 15 across eight states.
          • Avian Influenza A(H5N1) was first identified in the 1990s and appeared in a highly transmissible variant in the United States in late 2021.
          • At least one person has tested positive after being in contact with infected livestock, experiencing conjunctivitis and is now recovering.
          • Scientists are concerned about potential mutations in the H5N1 genome that could make it better adapted for transmission between mammals, including humans.
        • Accuracy
          • ]Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been identified in cattle throughout the United States, with 28 cases confirmed as of April 15 across eight states.[
          • At least one person has tested positive after being in contact with infected livestock, experiencing conjunctivitis and is now recovering.
          • Since late March, HPAI has been reported in cattle in eight states, ranging from Texas to Idaho to North Carolina.
        • Deception (95%)
          The article provides valuable information about the recent outbreak of Avian Influenza in cattle and a person in the US. However, there are instances where the author makes editorializing statements that could potentially manipulate emotions and sensationalize the situation. For example, when he states 'the effects have been catastrophic' and 'raises the specter of a H5N1 pandemic in mammals', these statements are not necessary to convey the information and could be perceived as trying to elicit fear or concern from readers. Additionally, there is selective reporting of details that support the author's position, such as focusing on the number of infected cattle and people without mentioning the large number of poultry affected. However, these instances do not significantly impact the overall accuracy or truthfulness of the article.
          • The effects have been catastrophic.
          • raises the specter of a H5N1 pandemic in mammals.
        • Fallacies (95%)
          The article contains some instances of appeals to authority and inflammatory rhetoric, but no formal or dichotomous fallacies are present. The author cites several sources to support the information presented in the article, including the CDC and USDA. This is an example of a valid appeal to authority when the source is reputable and trustworthy. Additionally, while there are some instances of inflammatory language used to describe the potential impact of avian influenza on animals and people, these do not rise to the level of fallacies as they are accurate descriptions based on available information.
          • ]We have reported that numerous wild birds throughout the country have been infected[.
          • In fact, 21 endangered California condors died from the disease in 2023[.
          • To prevent the continued spread of the virus and prevent any possible spread to humans, over 50,000 minks were culled[.
          • But there’s a bigger question. Does this outbreak portend a larger outbreak among other mammals, including humans? We don’t know[.
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        97%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Avian flu virus detected in more Michigan dairy herds and on another large layer farm

        Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), University of Minnesota, Wednesday, 17 April 2024 00:57
        • Unique Points
          • Michigan reported three new detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy herds in Ionia, Isabella, and Ottawa counties.
          • The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reported Michigan's first outbreak in dairy cows on March 29.
          • Michigan has had four detections in commercial poultry since 2022, including a large layer facility with over 1.9 million birds and a commercial table egg processor with over 2.1 million birds.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (85%)
          The article reports on recent detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy herds in multiple counties without providing evidence to suggest the author or the quoted sources are intentionally misleading. However, it does contain some inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to authority. The author uses phrases like 'what is happening with HPAI in Michigan mirrors what is happening in states across the country' and 'this virus does not stop at county or state lines, which is why we must all be on high alert' to create a sense of urgency without providing evidence for these claims. Additionally, the author quotes Tim Boring, PhD, MDARD's director as an authority figure who provides insights into the impact of HPAI on affected livestock and emphasizes the need for biosecurity measures.
          • . The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recently reported detections...
          • In other avian flu developments, Minnesota and New Mexico reported their first outbreaks in commercial poultry operations for 2024.
          • Officials didn’t specify the suspected source of the virus in the state’s three latest detections.
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        98%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Bird flu confirmed at Newaygo Co. commercial poultry farm

        WOOD TV8 News Katie Rosendale Tuesday, 16 April 2024 17:54
        • Unique Points
          • Avian influenza confirmed at a commercial poultry farm in Newaygo County, Michigan.
          • MDARD has identified this as the seventh occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a commercial facility in Michigan since 2022.
          • The affected farm is under quarantine and the birds will be depopulated to prevent further spread of the disease.
          • Avian flu was previously detected in dairy herds located in Montcalm, Ionia, Isabella and Ottawa counties, as well as a commercial poultry farm in Ionia County.
          • Biosecurity measures are essential for combating HPAI. Producers are encouraged to enhance their biosecurity protocols.
          • Wild birds continue to migrate and conditions are ideal for the virus to spread, making it vital for producers to assess risks on their premises and tighten protocols.
          • Avian flu can be spread directly by infected animals or indirectly through exposed items like equipment, feed and clothing. Producers are asked to prevent contact between domestic and wild birds, wash hands before and after handling birds, disinfect boots and other supplies, not share equipment between coops or farms, give birds well or municipal water to drink and ensure that wild animals can’t access poultry feed.
          • Those who suspect avian flu in their domestic animals are asked to call MDARD immediately at 800.292.3939 during the day or 517.373.0440 after hours.
        • Accuracy
          • MDARD has identified this as the seventh occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a commercial facility in Michigan since 2022.
          • The affected farm is under quarantine and the birds will be depopulated to prevent further spread of the disease.
          • Avian flu was previously detected in dairy herds located in Montcalm, Ionia, Isabella and Ottawa counties, as well as a commercial poultry farm in Ionia County.
          • Biosecurity measures are essential for combating HPAI. Producers are encouraged to enhance their biosecurity protocols.
          • Wild birds continue to migrate and conditions are ideal for the virus to spread, making it vital for producers to assess risks on their premises and tighten protocols.
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication