New MSU research to explore influenza outbreak in cattle19 August 2024 19 August 2024 4 minute read 4 minute read By: By: Michigan State University Extension North AmericaNew research from Michigan State University will study the effects of a recent highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus (H5N1) outbreak on dairy cattle reproduction and milk production, as well as transmission of the disease and ways to mitigate it. Capacity funding through the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture, a partnership among MSU, Michigan animal agriculture industries and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). Picasso is a veterinarian and epidemiologist, specializing in transboundary infectious diseases in both livestock and wildlife animal populations. “This outbreak underscored the critical need to understand the dynamics, impact and prevention of H5N1 among the cattle population. “We’re trying to understand how long animals are shedding the virus and how long the virus stays active,” O’Connor said.