Testing of raw milk from processing plants across Canada found all 391 samples to be negative for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1).

To inform biosecurity and containment measures, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding its testing and monitoring efforts for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in milk.

The International Avian Influenza and One Health Emerging Issues Summit, hosted by the University of Arkansas (U of A) Center of Excellence for Poultry Science in Fayetteville, Arkansas on September 30-October 3, focused on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and other animal pathogens and viruses affecting food safety and public health.

A recent study suggests that global control measures for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 infection in poultry and dairy cattle are insufficient. Gaps in control measures exist, including resistance to modern vaccines and surveillance technologies.

Testing of all licensed dairy farms across the state of Massachusetts has produced 100 percent negative results for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1. Massachusetts is the first U.S. state to test all of its dairy herds for the virus.

At the 2024 Farm Progress Show, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack revealed that the agency is beginning field trials for a vaccine to address the ongoing outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1—also known as “bird flu”—in cattle.

In September, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) will begin testing dairy cows at slaughter for the presence of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), under the existing National Residue Program.

U.S. federal, state, and local public health agencies authorities are currently investigating an ongoing outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or "avian flu," among dairy herds nationwide. This article advocates the need for new technologies to address current and future food safety needs.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published an outline of its research priorities regarding the dairy food safety implications of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has provided updates on its sampling and testing activities of retail milk for the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viral fragments. Additionally, Health Canada and CFIA recently completed a study on pasteurization’s efficacy against HPAI in milk.