Background
Since March 25, 2024 the US has experienced a multistate outbreak of HPAI A(H5N1) bird flu in dairy cows. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the virus through testing clinical samples from sick cattle. This is the first time that these bird flu viruses had been found in cows. No detections in Indiana dairy cattle have been reported.
Updated information including a list of affected states can be found on USDA's website.
On April 1, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed one human HPAI A(H5N1) infection in a person with exposure to dairy cows in Texas that were presumed to be infected with the virus. This is thought to be the first instance of likely mammal to human spread of HPAI A(H5N1) virus. In May 2024, CDC began reporting additional, sporadic human cases in people who had exposure to infected dairy cows. That latest human case counts are available on CDC's website at H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary.
What's Happening Now
For the latest information on the multistate outbreak of HPAI A(H5N1) bird flu in dairy cows including a list of affected states and positive dairy herds, visit CDC's website at Current H5N1 Bird Flu Situation in Dairy Cows.
Indiana's Response
Intro information that BOAH has released in their sit update.
- Summary of their action and convening relevant stakeholders, preparedness posture,
More information on recommendations for dairy farmers and animal health surveillance can be found on BOAH's website.
Information Regarding Milk Safety During Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Outbreaks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to work closely with other federal partners the monitor the safety of the milk supply. In April, the FDA reported that HPAI viruses were detected in unpasteurized, clinical samples of milk, swabs and tissue samples collected from sick cattle on the affected dairy farms. At this time, there continues to be no concern that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health, or that it affects the safety of the interstate commercial milk supply because products are pasteurized before entering the market. Only milk from heathy animals is authorized for distribution into interstate commerce for human consumption. Additionally, pasteurization is required for any milk entering interstate commerce. Pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Milk from ill (symptomatic) animals is being diverted or destroyed so that it does not enter the human food supply.
There have been no reports of HPAI in beef cattle from any state and the beef supply remains safe.
Updates can be found on the FDA website as new information becomes available.
Information for the Public
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Information for Clinicians
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Fairs, Farms, and Occupational Workers
Laboratory Specimen Information
- IDOH Specimen Collection and Transportation Instructions
- Electronic Lab Submission Through LimsNet
- Interim Guidance on Testing and Specimen Collection for Patients with Suspected Infection with Novel Influenza A Viruses with the Potential to Cause Severe Disease in Humans Testing Procedures for Laboratory Personnel
Contact Information
For healthcare providers requesting approval for specimen testing at IDOH Laboratory, please call the IDOH Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention Division at 317-233-7125 to obtain approval from the Influenza Coordinator or the Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Disease Epidemiologist during normal business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:15am to 4:45pm).
- If calling after hours or on holidays, please contact the Epidemiologist On-Call (EOC) at 317-233-1325 for specimen testing approval.
For questions on specimen collection, transport, or shipment, please call the IDOH Laboratory Virology Division at 317-921-5500 during normal business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:15am to 4:45pm).
