There aren’t signs of HPAI adapting to humans, researchers say

High-Path Avian Flu has been confirmed in more than 1,000 herds across 17 states. While it spreads easily in cow udders, researchers have found no signs that it is adapting to humans.

The virus seems to thrive on receptors in cow mammary glands that are similar to those in birds. Most cows recover after a couple of weeks, but the outbreak is still putting a major financial strain on producers.

One estimate from an ag economist suggests a dairy cow 2,500 cows in quarantine could lose half a million dollars a day due to treatment costs, labor, and lost production.

Related Stories
Herber Valley Milk in Utah transformed a simple dairy that dated back to the 1800s into a hand-crafted cheese and dairy operation.
Gas is where it’s at on FarmHER Amanda Freund’s family dairy in Connecticut! Learn more about a family of innovators who care about sustainability.
Kate Johnson didn’t set out to become an expert on all things cheese—but today, this FarmHER is the owner/founder of The Art of Cheese School where she teaches chefs at every level.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Lawmakers and experts react to the Administration’s long-awaited announcement of “bridge” aid to stabilize farms and offset 2025 losses until expanded safety-net programs begin in 2026.
Read the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s official press release published on Monday, December 8, 2025.
Joe Peiffer with Ag & Business Legal Strategies advises farmers on end-of-year financial planning, including preparing records, avoiding common credit mistakes, and evaluating equipment purchases for 2026.
Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) discusses the gap in truck driver education programs and how it impacts road safety and supply chain economics.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.