USDA discovers H5N1 in dairy cow meat slated for slaughter

USDA has reported the detection of avian influenza virus particles in meat from a dairy cow slated for slaughter.

It marks the first finding since the virus transitioned from birds to cattle.

Despite the discovery, USDA assures the public that the meat supply remains safe due to rigorous inspections before and after slaughter. USDA says there were no detections in samples from the remaining 95 cattle.

Additionally, five more herds across South Dakota and Colorado were confirmed to be infected, bringing the U.S. total to 63 herds across nine states.

Related Stories
Regulatory changes may influence farm costs and operations.
Lower hop stocks may support prices in the near term.
Biofuel policy decisions may influence planting economics. Today, March 18, is also National Biodiesel Day.
APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.
This year at CattleCon 2026, RFD Network’s Kirbe Schnoor caught up with Donna Emick from Pneu-Dart to get her perspective on why education, safety, and accountability matter in the field.
Nebraska’s largest wildfire on-record has burned 650,000 acres, with three other major fires also burning across the state, destroying pastureland and threatening cattle.