Dairy Industry Faces Huge Losses from Avian Flu

H5n1 Outbreak Brings Economic Strain and Cow Losses in the U.S. Dairy Sector

The spread of the H5N1 avian influenza virus is causing serious damage to US dairy farms. According to a Cornell study, a single herd of infected cows in Ohio suffered losses of around $737,500, excluding long-term impacts on herd health.

Researchers observed 3,876 cows on a farm affected after cows from Texas were introduced in 2024. The study monitored animal health and milk production over three months, highlighting the virus's severe effects.

Since 2022, the U.S. has seen avian flu outbreaks in birds and mammals, now spreading to 1,074 herds across 17 states. In the Ohio herd, 20% of cows contracted the virus, showing symptoms like mastitis and decreased feed intake.

Sick cows battled illness for nearly 8 days, with some staying in hospital pens. Alarmingly, 6.8% died or were euthanized, and 31.6% were removed from the herd, increasing mortality risks sixfold for infected animals.

Milk production dropped by 1,984 pounds per cow, resulting in a $950 financial loss per animal.

“Even if they [the cows] recover, that’s going to cost a dairy farmer $367 on average in milk losses,” explained Matthew MacLachlan.

The study highlights biosecurity as a critical defense, recommending better containment strategies. However, common mastitis prevention methods may spread the virus, complicating control efforts.

Researchers also emphasized the need for vaccine development to prevent further outbreaks. Although pasteurization ensures milk safety, the industry still faces huge economic risks.

Despite the crisis, experts believe milk prices won’t spike due to factors like marketing and distribution. Moving forward, combining improved biosecurity with vaccination could safeguard dairy farmers from similar challenges.