DairyTalk 234: Biosecurity Before Technology: The Financial Lesson of H5N1 - by Helmut Demmelhuber

DairyTalk by Helmut Demmelhuber · Jan 16, 2026 · 14m

This article examines the economic and biological impact of H5N1 on the U.S. dairy industry and explains why prevention delivers the highest return on investment. With losses reaching up to $950 per affected cow and nearly 90% of infections showing no obvious symptoms, the virus often spreads unnoticed through milking equipment and daily routines. The analysis shows that investments in biosecurity, quarantine protocols, and controlled sourcing are more effective for mid-sized farms than relying solely on detection technologies. While pasteurization protects consumers and federal aid programs…