By Jamie Martin
The recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has placed a heavy financial burden on the U.S. dairy industry. A Cornell University study revealed that a single herd of infected cows incurred losses nearing $737,500 due to reduced milk production, cow deaths, and removals.
Researchers studied a herd of 3,876 dairy cows in Ohio affected after cows were transferred from Texas in spring 2024. Data from before, during, and after the outbreak showed significant economic impact.
The US avian flu outbreak, active since 2022, has affected over 1,074 herds in 17 states. In the Ohio case, about 20% of cows became sick, mostly those mid-to-late in lactation. Symptoms included severe mastitis, appetite loss, and reduced rumination.
On average, cows remained sick for 7.9 days and stayed in hospital pens for 5.1 days. Sadly, about 6.8% of sick cows died or were euthanized, and 31.6% were culled, reflecting a sixfold higher risk of death and triple the removal risk compared to healthy cows.
Infected cows also produced 1,984 pounds less milk over 60 days, leading to an estimated $950 loss per cow.
“Even if they [the cows] recover, that’s going to cost a dairy farmer $367 on average in milk losses,” noted Matthew MacLachlan.
The study stressed the importance of biosecurity and highlighted vaccine development as the next step. Mastitis prevention remains challenging, especially since cleaning routines could spread the virus.
While pasteurization makes milk safe, the financial toll on the 9.3 million-cow US dairy industry is significant. Despite losses, experts say milk prices may not rise due to various other market factors.
Researchers emphasized that strengthening biosecurity and advancing vaccine research are key to preventing future outbreaks.
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Categories: National