Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus RNA in Bovine Semen, California, USA, 2024

Key Points

• To investigate the presence of HPAI H5N1 RNA in bovine semen during an outbreak.
• Surveillance of dairy cattle during an outbreak in California
• Detection of HPAI H5N1 RNA in the semen of asymptomatic bulls
• Assessment of transmission risks associated with semen
• HPAI H5N1 RNA was found in the semen of an asymptomatic bull
• No infectious virus was isolated
• Identified risks related to potential semen-associated transmission and biosecurity concerns

Abstract