Avian Flu Confirmed In Nebraska Dairy Herd: A Timeline Of Events
RANDY KROTZ
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Nebraska Department of Agriculture have confirmed the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in a Nebraska dairy herd. This marks a new chapter in an outbreak that has been unfolding across the United States since spring 2024.
March 2024 – Outbreak Emerges in U.S. Dairy Herds
The first detections of HPAI H5N1 in dairy cattle were reported in March 2024. Initially limited to herds in Texas and Kansas, the virus was soon detected in other regions. By summer, multiple states were reporting infections, prompting nationwide monitoring and biosecurity measures.
Spring–Summer 2024 – Spread Across States
Throughout the spring and summer months, the virus moved steadily across the country. At least 17–18 states reported affected herds, with California, Michigan, and Ohio among the hardest hit. Epidemiologists identified the strain as clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13—consistent with findings in wild birds and poultry.
During this period, nearly 1,800 dairy herds nationwide were impacted to some degree. Farmers reported signs such as reduced feed intake, thickened or discolored milk, lower milk production, and mild respiratory illness in cattle. While mortality rates were generally low, the impact on herd productivity was significant.
September 2025 – Nebraska’s First Case
In September 2025, USDA confirmed Nebraska’s first case in a central Nebraska dairy herd. The affected herd was immediately placed under quarantine, preventing the movement of cattle and products until the situation could be assessed. State veterinarians collaborated with federal officials to investigate how the virus arrived in Nebraska, with concerns about the potential for ongoing spread raised by fall bird migration.
Current Status and Public Safety
- Milk Supply: Officials stress that pasteurized milk remains safe. Pasteurization inactivates H5N1, and milk from sick or exposed cows is being diverted or destroyed before entering the commercial supply.
- Public Health: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to rate the risk to the general public as low, though people in direct contact with infected herds remain at higher risk.
- Biosecurity: Farmers are urged to strengthen on-farm biosecurity, especially with wild bird migration underway. Protective clothing, sanitation, and restricted access to the herd are emphasized.
Looking Ahead
The confirmation in Nebraska highlights the persistence of HPAI H5N1 within U.S. livestock. With fall and winter migration seasons expected to increase the virus’s movement, officials warn that further cases in cattle are likely. Ongoing surveillance, rapid quarantine, and transparent communication will be critical in containing outbreaks and protecting both animal and public health. ∆
RANDY KROTZ
AGWIKI CEO