The Cross-Species Implications of Bird Flu in Dairy Cows and Humans

Avian influenza has killed millions of birds and caused egg prices to soar since it first emerged in U.S. poultry in 2022.

The virus has since jumped to other mammals, including people.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 973 dairy herds infected with bird flu as of Feb. 21. And 70 cases among people in the U.S. since March of last year.

Cases of the avian flu, or H5N1, in dairy cows in Nevada and Arizona have scientists rethinking how the virus spreads.

We discuss the latest data on the strain detected in cows and how it might affect mitigation efforts.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy