In March 2024, the first cases of avian influenza were detected in US dairy cows. Since then, the outbreak has infected nearly 1,000 herds across 17 states, sickened 70 people—mostly farm workers—and killed one American.
The avian influenza crisis in the US is impacting both the agricultural sector and public health. In February, the Trump administration announced a billion-dollar investment to bolster biosecurity measures, vaccine research, and financial support for affected farmers. Despite these efforts, there are concerns that recent federal workforce reductions and funding freezes could hamper an effective response.
In this video, Bloomberg Government agriculture reporter Skye Witley explains the Trump administration’s response, the economic impact, and the concerns over how federal cuts may hinder effective management and communication.
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