Cornell University researchers have documented the devastating effects of H5N1 bird flu on dairy cattle, revealing production losses of 900kg of milk per cow with no recovery even after 60 days. Hosts Bella and Douglas break down the financial implications, detection strategies, and immediate actions dairy producers should take to protect their herds.

The Cornell Study Findings

• 20% infection rate (777 animals) in a 3,900-cow Ohio dairy

• 76% of infected cows showed NO symptoms while spreading virus

• Infected cows 3.6x more likely to be culled

• Entire outbreak traced to one cow from Texas

Production Impacts

• 73% milk production collapse (35kg to 10kg daily)

• No recovery of production after 60+ days

• Total loss of 901.2kg milk per cow over 2 months

• H5N1 vs. mastitis comparison chart

• Early warning signs 5 days before clinical diagnosis

Financial Devastation

• $950 lost per affected cow

• Case study: $737,500 total loss for study herd

• Financial impact breakdown by herd size

• Insurance coverage gaps - fewer than 10% of operations protected

• Multiparous (high-producing) cows at greatest risk

Virus Evolution and Testing

• Original outbreaks: H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13

• New threat: H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D1.1 discovered in Nevada

• Mutations enhancing mammalian infection (PB2 D701N and PB2 E627K)

• USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy across 45 states

• 915 affected herds across 16 states as of January 2025

Consumer Safety and Regulation

• FDA testing confirming pasteurized products safe

• Raw vs. pasteurized milk: 198 trillion times higher risk

• Colorado’s weekly testing mandate

• FDA guidance on raw milk sales

Success Stories and Strategies

• Horizon Dairy case study: Early detection saved $1.2 million

• 5 key countermeasures smart producers are implementing

• Questions to ask your milk buyer

Five Immediate Action Steps

• 21-day isolation protocol for new animals

• H5N1 early warning system configuration

• Insurance coverage review

• Written response plan development

• Employee training

Critical Statistics

• Production Impact: 73% milk production drop (35kg to 10kg daily)

• Recovery Time: No recovery after 60+ days

• Total Loss: 901.2kg milk over 2 months

• Financial Impact: $950 per affected cow

• Silent Spread: 76% of infections show no symptoms

• Early Detection: 5 days before clinical signs through monitoring

• Virus Spread: 915 dairy herds affected across 16 states

https://www.thebullvine.com/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza/bird-flu-bombshell-dairy-cows-losing-a-full-ton-of-milk-with-no-recovery/