Cow Flu Outbreak Risk Remains Low

The U.S. CDC's Tom Shimabukuro, MD, MPH, MBA Influenza Division, presented an update on the recent Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HAPI) A (H5N1) outbreak in dairy herds in the United States.

The USDA has confirmed HPAI A(H5N1) in U.S. dairy herds in 324 farms across 14 states, resulting in about 26 human cases.

On October 23, 2024, Dr. Shimabukuro concluded that the overall risk to the public for HPAI A(H5N1) remains low. However, exposed individuals (Michigan, Texas) should be monitored for (pink eye) symptoms after the first exposure and for 10 days and treated with approved influenza antivirals.

The CDC disclosed HPAI A(H5N1)/HPAI A(H5) human cases have been confirmed in numerous countries since 1997.

Furthermore, the CDC clarified that seasonal flu shots are not designed to protect people from 'Bird or Cow Flu' exposure.