Spread of new H5N1 bird flu strain D1.1 in Nevada dairy herds

A newer strain of H5N1 bird flu, D1.1, has spread to six dairy herds in Nevada, leading to serious infections in humans and affecting over 957 dairy herds and 153 million poultry in the US. The virus has caused an egg shortage and higher prices. The strain has been linked to deaths in Louisiana and hospitalizations in Canada. Experts are concerned about its potential to mutate and spread globally.

Avian Influenza in Dairy Herds

The federal government is investing millions to contain and prevent the spread of avian influenza in dairy herds to avoid mutation and human transmission. Challenges include difficulty accessing farms for data collection and the need for increased testing and tracing efforts among workers and animals.