The American dairy industry is facing a growing crisis as H5N1, commonly known as bird flu, has been spreading among dairy farms in the US. More than 20 herds across eight states have been infected, with the virus now posing a potential risk to humans.

In a concerning development, a dairy worker in Texas has contracted bird flu from one of the impacted farms, raising worries about the possibility of human-to-human transmission. This has led to the American Association of Bovine Practitioners rebranding bird flu in cows as Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV) in an effort to maintain consumer confidence in beef and dairy products.

The cattle industry is trying to distance itself from the bird flu news cycle to avoid being associated with human disease risks. However, experts point out that animal agriculture is a significant driver of zoonotic diseases, and the increasing global demand for meat, dairy, and eggs only heightens the risk of new outbreaks.

The current food system has been described as a breeding ground for more virulent disease strains, with concerns being raised about the possibility of a future pandemic. Long-distance transportation of cows in the dairy industry is believed to be a factor in the rapid spread of bird flu among herds.

Despite efforts to track and contain the spread of bird flu in cows, experts argue that more extensive testing is needed. They stress that a broader societal rethinking of the factory farm system is necessary to prevent future outbreaks and avoid falling into the infectious disease trap.

As the dairy industry grapples with the growing threat of bird flu, it is clear that a proactive approach is needed to safeguard both animal and human health.