Australia and New Zealand are bracing for the arrival of a destructive bird flu strain by tightening biosecurity at farms, testing shore birds for disease, vaccinating vulnerable species and war-gaming response plans.

Australia, New Zealand brace for looming bird flu threat

CFIA cautions against taking cattle to U.S. shows as bird flu outbreak continues
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recommends that farmers do not take dairy or beef cattle to shows or agricultural exhibitions in the United States to reduce the risk of spreading avian influenza (bird flu) to Canadian herds.

U.S. human case of bird flu detected without known animal exposure
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said on Friday that a person hospitalized with bird flu was the first human case detected in the United States without any known animal exposure.

Bird flu spreads to California dairy cows
Cows at three dairy farms in California tested positive for H5N1 bird flu at the end of August, marking an expansion of the virus into the largest dairy producing region of the United States, according to an announcement from the state’s agriculture department. More than 190 herds have been infected across the U.S. since March, […] Read more

US tests for bird flu in California dairy cattle
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is testing to confirm possible cases of bird flu in dairy cattle in California, the nation's biggest milk-producing state, USDA said on Friday.

CFIA adds requirements for cattle returning from U.S. due to bird flu
Cattle returning from the U.S. after a stay of less than 60 days will require additional certification as bird flu concerns continue.

US undercounts bird flu in cattle as farmers shun testing
Farmers fear economic losses from positive tests, leading to under-reporting; USDA offers partial compensation
The U.S. bird-flu outbreak in dairy cattle is much larger than official figures suggest due to farmers' reluctance to test their animals and risk the economic consequences of a positive result, according to Reuters interviews with dairy experts, veterinarians, and farmers in six states with known cases.

US to expand bird-flu testing of beef in slaughterhouses
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Tuesday it will expand bird-flu testing of beef entering the food supply as part of its response to the ongoing outbreak among dairy cattle, adding that U.S. beef and dairy products remain safe to consume.

Bird flu cases among farmworkers going undetected: study
A study posted online on Wednesday suggested that there are more farmworkers infected with bird flu than what has been reported.

US to spend $10 million to curb bird flu in farm workers
CDC plans vaccine push; says risk to general public remains low
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Tuesday it plans to spend $10 million to curb farm worker bird flu infections, including $5 million for seasonal flu vaccines, as part of its efforts to avoid further spread and mutation of the virus.