WOAH raises alarm over spread of avian influenza in cattle

GLOBAL – The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has sounded the alarm over the growing spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) beyond birds, warning that its detection in dairy cattle in the United States signals a worrying new phase in the virus’s evolution.

The organization said the ongoing circulation of the H5N1 strain in U.S. dairy herds “raises significant international concern” due to the potential for adaptation to mammals and spillover to other livestock, humans, and regions. 

Though avian influenza has traditionally affected wild and domestic birds, WOAH reports that by September 2025, about 40 mammalian species had already been infected, underscoring the virus’s ability to jump species barriers.

WOAH Director General Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran urged countries to intensify disease surveillance and coordination to contain the spread. 

“The continued detection of H5N1 in cattle increases the risk of the virus becoming better adapted to mammals,” she said, emphasizing that “enhanced surveillance, timely reporting, and global cooperation are critical to fighting this threat.”

Cattle infections spark international concern

According to WOAH, infected cattle often show mild or non-specific symptoms, including reduced milk yield, thicker milk, fever, and lethargy. 

Investigations have identified raw milk from infected cows as a major risk material, with evidence of horizontal transmission from infected lactating cows to other animals such as cats, poultry, and other cows.

WOAH has advised that only milk from non-infected cows that has been pasteurized or undergone a virus-inactivation process should be commercialized. 

“Raw milk or raw milk products from HPAI infected or exposed cows should not be used for animal feed or for human consumption,” the organization stressed.

Although no specific adaptation of the virus to humans or mammals has been confirmed, WOAH said ongoing studies are exploring how H5N1 spreads between cattle and other animals. 

The organization is collaborating with the FAO, WHO, and its network of reference centers to assess the risks to both animals and people. 

Currently, the risk to the general public remains low, while it is considered low to moderate for those in close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.

WOAH issues new reporting and prevention guidelines

In February 2025, WOAH’s Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases classified HPAI infection in cattle as an “emerging disease,” requiring all members to report cases through the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS). 

The organization reminded its 183 member countries that trade restrictions should only be imposed based on scientific evidence and risk analysis, in line with international standards.

WOAH also released OFFLU Guidelines for High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus Risk Mitigation in Cattle, which provide practical measures to limit the virus’s spread. 

These include enhancing surveillance in domestic and wild birds, early detection in cattle, implementing strict biosecurity in dairy operations, and using personal protective equipment for workers handling sick animals.

The organization further urged members to share genetic sequences of avian influenza viruses in public databases and to employ scientifically justified import measures rather than blanket trade bans.

“Timely and transparent notification is crucial to maintain a good understanding of the disease situation and prevent misinformation,” Dr Soubeyran emphasized.

WOAH reaffirmed its commitment to helping countries mitigate the threat through expert networks, the One Health Quadripartite, and the Global Framework for Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs). 

The organization said it will continue to provide technical updates as new information emerges, underscoring that combating avian influenza requires coordinated global action to protect both animal and public health.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.