Adaptation and Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Dairy Cattle: An Emerging Threat to Humans, Pets, and Peridomestic Animals

Rifat Noor Shanta; Mahfuza Akther; M. Asaduzzaman Prodhan; Syeda Hasina Akter; Henry Annandale; Subir Sarker; Sam Abraham; Jasim Muhammad Uddin

doi:10.3390/pathogens14090846

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Adaptation and Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Dairy Cattle: An Emerging Threat to Humans, Pets, and Peridomestic Animals

Journal article

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Adaptation and Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Dairy Cattle: An Emerging Threat to Humans, Pets, and Peridomestic Animals

Rifat Noor Shanta, Mahfuza Akther, M. Asaduzzaman Prodhan, Syeda Hasina Akter, Henry Annandale, Subir Sarker, Sam Abraham and Jasim Muhammad Uddin

Pathogens (Basel), Vol.14(9), 846

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14090846

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Abstract

Over the decades, cattle have not been considered primary hosts for influenza A viruses (IAV), and their role in influenza epidemiology has been largely unrecognized. While bovines are known reservoirs for influenza D virus, the recent emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in U.S. dairy cattle marks an alarming shift in influenza ecology. Since March 2024, this virus has affected thousands of dairy cows, causing clinical signs such as fever, reduced feed intake, drastic declines in milk production, and abnormal milk appearance. Evidence suggests that the virus may be replicated within mammary tissue, raising urgent concerns about milk safety, foodborne transmission, and occupational exposure. This review highlights the unprecedented expansion of viruses into bovine populations, exploring the potential for host adaptation, and interconnected roles of pets, peridomestic animals, and human exposure within shared environments. The potential impacts on dairy production, food safety, and zoonotic spillover highlight the urgent need for integrated One Health surveillance to stay ahead of this evolving threat.

Details

Title: Adaptation and Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Dairy Cattle: An Emerging Threat to Humans, Pets, and Peridomestic Animals
Authors/Creators: Rifat Noor Shanta - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Mahfuza Akther - Murdoch University
M. Asaduzzaman Prodhan - Murdoch University
Syeda Hasina Akter - Murdoch University
Henry Annandale - Murdoch University
Subir Sarker - James Cook University
Sam Abraham - Murdoch University
Jasim Muhammad Uddin
Publication Details: Pathogens (Basel), Vol.14(9), 846
Publisher: MDPI
Identifiers: 991005808648307891
Murdoch Affiliation: Centre for Biosecurity and One Health; Harry Butler Institute; Antimicrobial Resistance and Infectious Disease Laboratory; School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences; School of Veterinary Medicine; Centre for Animal Production and Health
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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