This year, 1,031 herds in 17 states—mostly in California and Colorado—were diagnosed with the virus after it spread to cows.
Additionally, 70 human cases have been found in 14 states so far this year, which is the highest number of cases the US has seen in at least 20 years.
The most recent human case of avian flu occurred in 1997, prior to the current pandemic. There is no proof that any of the patients infected other people.
Nonetheless, the virus has been found in unpasteurized or “raw” milks, prompting the USDA to declare that all businesses that handle raw milk will have to provide samples for analysis upon request.
The US’ approach to the outbreak has drawn criticism from a wide range of specialists, including World Health Organization representatives.
Pandemic experts have characterized it as ‘unfolding in slow motion.’ Almost all testing of cattle and humans exposed to sick cows was voluntary until the end of 2024.
