In September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) serosurvey to assess recent infections among U.S. bovine veterinary practitioners with cattle exposure.
Of the 150 participants, 55% practiced in states with HPAI A(H5)-positive dairy herds and 17% worked with dairy cattle suspected of infection.
Three practitioners tested positive for HPAI A(H5) antibodies, suggesting recent infection, though none reported symptoms or had received influenza testing. One practitioner worked only in states with no known cattle infections, raising concerns that undetected cases may exist.
CDC said this highlights the need for rapid identification through herd and bulk milk testing. The study also suggests that relying solely on symptomatic surveillance may underestimate human infection rates, emphasizing the importance of broader monitoring efforts.
