Urgency for Enhanced Policy Intervention to Combat Avian Influenza in Dairy Cows

Avian influenza, traditionally known in its highly pathogenic forms among bird populations, has recently made alarming advances into new territories—including dairy cows. This zoonotic virus poses a threat to animal health and potentially to humans as well, linking public health and agricultural concerns. The revelation that dairy cows can contract and spread H5N1 has broadened the scope of this disease’s impact, raising fears of another possible pandemic if the virus adapts to transmit between humans more efficiently (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024a). The dairy industry is highly relevant for agricultural sectors worldwide, contributing significantly to national economies and supporting millions of livelihoods. The spread of avian influenza in dairy cows across the United States, as shown in Figure 1, is a major concern for the dairy industry. This is because dairy products generate about 3.2 million American jobs with a direct economic contribution of more than $250 billion (International Dairy Foods Association, 2024).