The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed four new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in dairy cattle—two in California and two in Idaho. This brings the total to 1,009 cases across 17 states since March 2024.
Additional detections were also reported in poultry. In New York, H5N1 was found at two live bird markets in Queens County, while in New Mexico, the virus was confirmed at a poultry farm in Curry County and in a backyard flock in Roosevelt County.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) released updated guidance on April 11 for tracking human infections with H5 avian influenza. The goal is early detection and rapid response to minimize public health risks. Countries are required to notify the WHO within 24 hours of any lab-confirmed human case involving a new subtype.
Meanwhile, the USDA announced $15.3 million in funding to support 68 projects focused on improving disease preparedness, detection, and response in U.S. livestock. About one-third of the funding is dedicated to enhancing biosecurity practices across the sector.
