Key Points Covered:

Current impact of HPAI H5N1 on the dairy industry
- $1.2 billion in losses since March 2024
- 973 herds affected
Virus transmission and survival
- 76% of outbreaks start from migratory waterfowl
- D1.1 variant survives 22 days in manure slurry pits
Effects on milk production and cow health
- 10-30% drop in milk production for 7-10 days
- 0.3% mortality rate in infected herds
Financial impact on farms
- Small herds (<500 cows): $100-$200 daily losses
- Large herds (>1,000 cows): $1,500-$3,000 daily losses
Government assistance programs
- ELAP: Covers 60% of losses for 21 days
- HERDS Act: 50% of HEPA filter costs up to $15,000
Biosecurity measures
- HEPA filters: 85% effective against airborne viral particles
- Closed herd policy: Reduces infection rates by 73%
- Laser systems to deter birds
Upcoming vaccines
- Zoetis mRNA vaccine: 89% efficacy, potential Q3 2025 release
- USDA H5N1-CVX vaccine: 92% efficacy, potential Q1 2026 release
Milk safety
- Pasteurization effectively eliminates viable virus
- Raw milk: 9% of samples showed viral RNA
Worker safety
- 7% of dairy workers in Michigan and Colorado have H5N1 antibodies
- Only 40% of workers using proper PPE during high-risk tasks
Action steps for farmers
- Enroll in USDA's Herd Status Program
- Implement strict PPE policies
- Apply for government assistance programs

e181 HPAI H5N1: The 2025 Science-Based Dairy Farm Survival Guide (Because Hope Isn’t a Biosecurity Plan)