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
Farmer Bridge Assistance payments provide immediate balance-sheet support heading into 2026, but remain a short-term bridge rather than a substitute for long-term market recovery.
The New Year is here, but in Oregon, some ranchers and livestock producers are still trying to recover from record wildfires back in 2024.
As markets anticipate a return to normal trading following the New Year’s holiday, the possibility of the southern border re-opening to cattle is capturing much attention.