New Footage of H5N1 Avian Influenza Outbreak in Dairy Cows
Recent footage and reports from California’s Central Valley provide a glimpse into the reality of this outbreak and its consequences.
In 2024, 436 dairy herds in California and 650 herds nationwide have tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza. Since the outbreak began in 2022, more than 104 million commercially raised poultry animals have been exterminated to curb its spread. Dairy cows show symptoms such as decreased feed intake, reduced milk production, and increased mortality rates.
Cats can become infected by consuming raw H5N1-infected milk. Disturbingly, 67% of infected cats die from the virus. Cats could even potentially spread the virus to humans.
The Cost to Taxpayers
Taxpayers are bearing the financial burden of this failing system. The livestock industry receives $38 billion annually in subsidies, with millions directed to controversial projects like methane digesters on dairies. These programs generate profits for producers through carbon credits while masking the environmental and public health costs of industrial animal agriculture.
A Growing Threat to Public Health
The spread of H5N1 to mammals, including pigs in Oregon, showcases the virus’s ability to jump species. Pigs can serve as “mixing vessels” and potentially create a strain more easily transmissible between humans.
With 55 human cases reported this year, many experts are concerned the virus could become the next pandemic.
The photo shows a cow with nasal discharge next to two aborted fetuses at a dairy in Tulare, California. Photo taken November 2, 2024.
Biosecurity Concerns
Recent footage from Central Valley dairies reveals room for biosecurity and carcass improvements.
Dead cows and calves have been left on roadsides, posing a potential for disease spread.
What happens to infected milk?
Dead cows awaiting pick up on the side of the road outside a dairy in Hanford, California. Photo taken November 3, 2024.
The FDA and USDA urged processors to stop rejecting milk from herds infected with H5N1, saying in a September 30th statement that it "could discourage participation in voluntary surveillance and sampling," saying, "pasteurization is effective at completely neutralizing H5N1 in milk and dairy."
According to a USDA-NAHMS survey, 64% of discarded milk went into manure lagoons. If unpasteurized, this could pose a significant risk for transmission via wildlife.
A Call for Change
The mounting evidence shows the problems with our dependence on animal-based protein production. It threatens public health and exploits both animals and workers. Transitioning to animal-free food production would strengthen our food security, protect public health and the environment.
