The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published an outline of its research priorities for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, which was first detected in U.S. dairy cattle in March 2024 and has since been reported in multiple states. Because infection of dairy cattle is a relatively novel presentation of influenza, the agency seeks to address significant research needs to protect human and animal health.

FDA, alongside its federal and state partners, is following a step-by-step approach to its scientific analysis of commercial milk safety during the ongoing HPAI H5N1 outbreak affecting North American dairy cattle. Preliminary results of the agency’s initial assessment of U.S. milk at retail continues to support the safety of the milk supply; however, a number of collective activities are still being undertaken to ensure the continued effectiveness of the federal-state milk safety system.