Avian Flu Detected in Texas Dairy Cows, Prompting Quarantine Measures

In late May 2026, Texas agriculture officials confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic avian flu virus H5N1 in a herd of dairy cows. The discovery occurred after cows at an unspecified Texas farm fell ill, leading to a decrease in milk production. Consequently, the affected dairy farm has been placed under quarantine while investigations are conducted to assess the situation further.

This incident marks the first occurrence of avian flu in a Texas dairy herd this year. Officials from the Texas Animal Health Commission have assured the public that pasteurization effectively inactivates the H5N1 virus, maintaining the safety of commercially available pasteurized milk supplies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have noted that while H5N1 can cause severe disease and death in infected animals, the risk to the general public remains low. Since 1997, sporadic human infections have been reported globally, but there have been no known cases of person-to-person transmission of the virus.

In response to the outbreak, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reiterated its confidence in the safety of pasteurized milk. The collaborative efforts between state and federal agencies aim to manage the situation effectively and prevent further spread of the virus.