USDA confirmed Nebraska’s first known case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cattle on September 15, 2025. The affected herd was in central Nebraska, was quarantined, and tested positive for clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13. Officials said the detection did not change the safety of commercial pasteurized milk, while people who work with or handle infected animals face greater exposure risk than the general public.
What happened in Nebraska
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed HPAI H5N1 in a central Nebraska dairy herd on September 15, 2025. Nebraska officials described it as the state’s first known detection of bird flu in cattle. The herd was placed under quarantine while state and federal teams began additional testing and epidemiological investigation.
Laboratory analysis identified H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13. Nebraska said the virus was very similar to a strain reported in California. The finding occurred during a wider outbreak: USDA said dairy-cattle infections had been identified in 17 states since March 2024, as of the September 15 announcement.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Confirmation date | September 15, 2025 |
| Location | Central Nebraska dairy herd |
| Virus | HPAI H5N1, clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13 |
| State significance | Nebraska’s first known HPAI detection in cattle |
| Immediate status | Herd quarantined; further testing and investigation initiated |
| Broader outbreak figure | 17 states with infected dairy cattle since March 2024, according to USDA’s September 15, 2025 notice |
How the herd was found
The confirmation followed state tracing and investigation of pre-movement surveillance milk samples. Those samples were collected under USDA’s April 2024 Federal Order, which requires testing connected with the movement of dairy cattle. This surveillance route allowed officials to identify the infection even before a publicly described clinical investigation was complete.
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APHIS and Nebraska began additional on-farm testing and epidemiological work after the positive result. USDA emphasized that enhanced biosecurity is the main measure for limiting introduction of H5N1 onto a farm and reducing spread between premises.
Symptoms Nebraska farmers should watch for
Nebraska reports that signs are seen mainly in late-stage lactating cows. Affected cattle may show:
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- Reduced food consumption
- Clear nasal discharge
- A noticeable drop in milk production
- Tacky or loose feces
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Thicker, concentrated, colostrum-like milk
Nebraska State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley said, “With supportive care, dairy cattle recover with little to no mortality associated with the disease.” That statement describes the state’s guidance for this event; it does not mean every infected animal will have the same course.
What dairy operators should do
Report suspected cases
Producers who see compatible signs should contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-2351 or USDA at 866-536-7593. Early reporting supports testing, movement decisions and protection of other herds.
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Strengthen biosecurity
- Follow movement-testing and quarantine instructions from state and federal veterinarians.
- Limit unnecessary visitors, animal movement and shared equipment between premises.
- Use protective procedures when handling sick cattle, milk, manure or contaminated materials.
- Coordinate additional sampling with animal-health officials rather than moving potentially exposed cattle without clearance.
USDA’s event notice identifies enhanced biosecurity as the key control for reducing transmission between premises.
Is Nebraska milk safe to drink?
USDA said the detection did not pose a consumer-health concern and did not affect the safety of the commercial milk supply. FDA considers pasteurization effective at inactivating H5N1. Milk from impacted animals is diverted from the commercial tank or destroyed instead of entering the commercial supply.
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This assurance is specific to regulated commercial milk that has been pasteurized. It should not be read as a recommendation to consume raw milk from a potentially infected herd.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How serious is the risk to people?
USDA assessed the risk from H5N1 viruses circulating in wild birds and U.S. dairy cattle as low for the general public. Risk is higher for people with job-related or recreational exposure to infected birds or mammals, including dairy workers, veterinarians, animal-health responders and others handling sick cattle.
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People in those groups should follow CDC precautions, use appropriate personal protective equipment and avoid unprotected contact with sick animals, raw milk, feces and other potentially contaminated materials. Anyone who develops illness after a relevant exposure should contact a healthcare provider and explain the exposure.
What remains unknown about this herd
The September 15 announcements established the quarantine and ongoing investigation but did not announce that the premises had been cleared. The number of affected cattle, the herd’s eventual release from quarantine and any later status changes were not provided in the information available for this report.
Quick Recap
Key dates
- April 2024: USDA’s Federal Order began requiring pre-movement surveillance measures used in the Nebraska investigation.
- September 15, 2025: APHIS confirmed HPAI H5N1 in a central Nebraska dairy herd, the state’s first known cattle case.
- After confirmation: Nebraska and APHIS quarantined the herd and began additional testing, tracing and epidemiological investigation.
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