# Retail Milk Monitoring of Influenza A(H5N1) in Dairy Cattle, United States, 2024–2025

## TL;DR

Influenza A(H5N1) was found in a large percentage of US retail milk samples, showing widespread cow infections, but improved detection followed government actions.

## Contribution

Demonstrates the use of retail milk as a surveillance tool for detecting influenza A(H5N1) in dairy cattle.

## Key findings

- 36% of retail milk samples tested positive for influenza A(H5N1) viral RNA in April–May 2024.
- Post-initiative monitoring showed better alignment between retail milk findings and reported infections.
- Federal initiatives improved detection and control of influenza A(H5N1) in dairy cattle.

## Abstract

US retail milk monitoring during April 13–May 3, 2024, identified influenza A(H5N1) viral RNA in 36% of retail milk samples, indicating widespread undetected infections in US dairy cows. After federal initiatives, reported infections more closely aligned with findings in retail milk during December 27, 2024–January 29, 2025, reflecting improved detection and control.