H5N1 influenza strain, or bird flu, was first detected in 2022 in migratory birds, while the first signs in dairy cattle occurred in March 2024, notes Emory University Immunologist Seema Lakdawala, Ph.D. The virus has now been found in 190 herds in 14 states, including Texas, Idaho, Ohio, and most recently, California. While consumption of pasteurized milk products should present a low risk to humans, in early September, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the first field trial of an H5N1 vaccine in cattle.

Eric Garr, Regional Sales Manager at Fortress Technology, joins Dairy Foods for Episode 45 of the “Let’s Talk Dairy” podcast to discuss the role of AI in metal detection and food protection. With the Toronto, Canada-based company for 18 years, Garr discusses trends in the dairy industry and how AI-assisted inspection systems are helping dairy processors improve metal detection, reduce product waste, lower cost of ownership and improve data collection.

General Mills Inc. has entered into definitive agreements to sell its North American Yogurt business to Lactalis and Sodiaal, two French dairy companies, in cash transactions valued at an aggregate $2.1 billion. Following the completion of the transactions, the U.S. and Canadian businesses will operate independently, with Lactalis acquiring the U.S. business and Sodiaal acquiring the Canadian business. The proposed transactions are expected to close in calendar 2025, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.