Further spread of bird flu among U.S. dairy herds presents additional opportunities for human infections, federal officials said on Thursday while urging farms to take enhanced biosecurity measures to contain
Bird flu has infected 90 dairy herds across 12 states since late March, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The search for a vaccine has begun in earnest.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that 24 companies are developing an avian flu vaccine for cattle, with Zoetis and Merck Animal Health making significant strides. The USDA is also researching a vaccine candidate. The program aims to prevent virus spread through enhanced biosecurity and bulk milk testing initiatives, with involvement from states like Michigan and Idaho.
Twenty-four companies are working to develop an avian flu vaccine for cattle, as the virus spreads among US dairy herds, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told Reuters on Wednesday. Bird flu has infected 90 dairy herds across 12 states since late March, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Three dairy farm workers also have been infected with the virus,.