By Jamie Martin
According to research and commentary by Dr. Gregory Gray of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, vaccinating dairy cattle could help control the spread of H5N1 bird flu.
H5N1 bird flu is becoming a growing concern for agriculture and public health as it spreads beyond poultry into dairy cattle across the United States. Scientists are now exploring vaccination as a key control measure.
The virus first caused large outbreaks in poultry beginning in 2022, resulting in the loss of nearly 190 million birds. By 2024, it had spread into dairy cattle, impacting more than 1,000 herds across 19 states and creating heavy economic losses.
Researchers warn that repeated infections across different animal species increase the chances of viral change. As the virus spreads, it may become better adapted to mammals, raising long-term concerns.
"This virus has changed and now seems to have become entrenched or 'enzootic' in North American wildlife," said Dr. Gregory Gray, a professor in the Division of Infectious Disease and Department of Microbiology and Immunology at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB).
"We used to think of H5N1 as a bird problem in Asia. Now it's clearly something bigger and here in our own backyard, and we need to respond accordingly. At first, people thought this was a one-off event, but it spread—and it's still spreading," said Gray.
Human cases in the United States have remained relatively rare, with about 71 infections and two reported deaths. However, individuals working on farms and those exposed to raw milk face higher risk levels.
Experts believe vaccinating dairy cattle could help reduce virus circulation, limit farm-to-farm spread, and lower spillover risk to humans and other animals. Even partial protection could significantly reduce viral load.
Scientific studies show cattle can build strong immune responses after exposure, suggesting vaccines could be effective. Early vaccine trials have shown encouraging results in generating lasting immunity.
Farm infrastructure in the dairy sector already supports routine animal vaccination and tracking systems, making large-scale rollout more practical than in many other livestock sectors.
Global experience from poultry vaccination programs in countries like Mexico and China shows that while viruses may not be fully eliminated, vaccination can reduce outbreaks and economic damage.
Overall, experts stress that reducing virus circulation is critical. Lowering infection rates in livestock can slow viral evolution, protect farm productivity, and reduce risks to human health and food security.
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