On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a dairy herd in Idaho. one herd in New Mexico and five herds in Texas. To date, USDA has confirmed the detection of HPAI in dairy herds in Texas (7) Kansas (2), Michigan (1), New Mexico (1) and Idaho (1). The confirmations were made via milk samples as well as nasal swabs and viral genome sequencing of the affected herds. USDA is conducting similar tests in other states.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that a person in the United States has tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) (H5N1) virus, as reported by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. According to the CDC, the person had exposure to dairy cattle in Texas presumed to be infected with HPAI. The patient reported eye redness (consistent with conjunctivitis), as their only symptom, and is recovering. The patient was told to isolate and is being treated with an antiviral drug for flu. Additional information on the individual is found on the CDC’s website.