Recent developments in the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been unfolding quickly, bringing significant changes to how the virus is being managed and affecting both poultry and dairy industries.

The Trump administration has shifted its approach to controlling the outbreak, moving away from the mass depopulation of poultry and instead focusing on enhanced biosecurity measures and targeted treatments for affected birds. This change aims to curb the virus’s spread while avoiding the widespread culling of poultry that has been the primary method of control in previous outbreaks.

The poultry industry, particularly in Pennsylvania, remains divided on the use of vaccinations. Many leaders in the egg-laying sector have pushed for a national vaccination strategy due to the devastating impact of H5N1 on their operations. Since 2022, more than 77% of H5N1 cases have been reported in layer farms, making them the hardest hit by the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the USDA confirmed that the H5N1 D1.1 strain, typically found in wild birds, has been detected in dairy farms in Nevada and Arizona. This represents a significant shift, as previous strains were less likely to affect dairy cattle, raising concerns about broader transmission risks.

As of now, more than 754 commercial poultry flocks have tested positive for H5N1 since the outbreak began in 2022, affecting 162 million birds. Additionally, 972 cases have been reported in dairy cows across 17 states, with new cases emerging in Nevada and Arizona. The ongoing outbreak continues to have a significant impact on both industries, prompting changes in strategies and heightened concern among producers.