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
Duane Simpson, CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), joined us in Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on the USDA’s plan and potential impact on producers.
U.S. Farmers Navigate Harvest Pace, Costs, Policy Shifts
While treatable with a vaccine, anthrax is a dangerous threat to cattle herd health if not identified and treated immediately.
Smaller flocks and lower lay rates are pressuring table egg supplies, even as hatchery activity edges higher.
Smaller slaughter numbers across beef and pork signal tighter supplies into late 2025, while record-low veal production highlights ongoing structural changes in the sector.