Another Minnesota cow herd sickened with bird flu virus

H5N1 influenza, which is the same virus that causes highly-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry, was detected in a cattle herd in Benton County last week, according to state officials.

The latest data from the Minnesota Board of Animal Health shows the initial diagnosis was made Friday, marking the seventh cattle herd in Minnesota confirmed to be infected by the virus this year, with all sickened herds discovered in June.

H5N1 infections in domestic ruminants – the class of animals which includes cattle, sheep, goats and others – are a growing concern nationwide, particularly as cases rise among dairy cows.

In March, a goat on a farm in Stevens County, Minnesota became the first domestic ruminant in the United States to test positive for the virus .

The latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows the number of H5N1-infected livestock herds detected in the ongoing outbreak has risen to 137 across 12 states.

At least three dairy workers have been infected since H5N1 was first detected in the U.S. in 2022, although the total number of farm workers sickened by the virus is unclear and testing remains low .

In Minnesota, new regulations have been placed on lactating dairy cows to be brought to exhibition , including proof of a negative H5N1 test.

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health is also urging veterinarians to be on the lookout for the virus in companion animals, such as dogs and cats.

"As the current dairy outbreak shows us, H5N1 can affect different species," the agency wrote, warning clinical signs in dogs and cats may include respiratory distress, fever, lethargy and gastrointestinal issues.