Consumer Corner
Bird flu flares up again in Michigan poultry – an infectious disease expert explains the risk to humans, chickens, cows and other animals
Kimberly Dodd, Michigan State University
After a relatively quiet fall, there’s been another spike in cases of bird flu in Michigan.
When state officials announced on Dec. 16, 2024, that bird flu had been found in another poultry facility in Ottawa County, it was the first time the H5N1 virus had been detected in Michigan poultry in over six months. Since then, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed seven more outbreaks – in five commercial and two backyard flocks – in the state, the most recent in Oakland County.
Meanwhile, on Jan. 6, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the first human death from bird flu in the U.S., in Louisiana.
Bird flu is a complex and evolving disease with significant impact to the poultry and dairy industries. Since the beginning of the outbreaks in poultry and cattle, almost 135 million birds and more than 900 cattle herds have been affected nationwide. A significant number of wild animals – such as raccoon, skunks, foxes and bobcats – as well as marine mammals and domestic cats have also died from the virus.
Kimberly Dodd, dean of Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, is an expert in outbreak response for emerging infectious diseases. Michigan was among the first states to see H5N1 outbreaks in commercial poultry and dairy facilities. Both state and federal officials have worked closely with the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to identify newly infected herds, while continuing to provide surveillance for the virus in poultry and wild birds.
Dodd talked to The Conversation U.S. about the risks H5N1 presents to families, pets and livestock, and how researchers are working together to find ways to limit its spread.
What are Michigan researchers learning about the outbreak?
In the case of H5N1 in cows, scientists and animal health experts here in Michigan and around the country are working to understand a familiar disease in a novel species.
The transmission of the avian flu virus H5N1 to dairy cattle was first confirmed in March 2024 in Texas and has since spread to 15 other U.S. states, most recently California.
The virus impacts milk production and poses significant risks to other bird species, particularly domestic poultry as well as some mammals. The CDC has also confirmed mild cases in humans, and a fatal one in Louisiana in January 2025.
Diagnosticians at Michigan State University and the USDA’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network provide rapid diagnostics to identify infected herds and monitor the virus in wild birds and mammals, helping control the spread.
We’ve learned, based on sequencing the circulating viruses, that there is a specific virus strain or H5N1 genotype, B3.13, circulating in cows and poultry. Subtle changes over time in the genetic makeup of the virus points to a single spillover event. This means the virus likely spread from wild birds to a cow in Texas, and then spread from cow to cow. We also know that there is a separate H5N1 genotype, D1.1, that is currently circulating in wild birds and domestic poultry.
Researchers in our College of Veterinary Medicine are working with federal and state officials and farmers to determine how long cows produce infectious milk. The goal is to understand how cows are becoming infected within and across herds so that we can better mitigate the spread.
Why is it called bird flu if it sickens other animals too?
Influenza viruses affect many animals including humans, pigs, dogs and horses.
There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C and D, which are loosely defined by the species they can infect. Avian influenza viruses are considered influenza A viruses. Interestingly, influenza D viruses are the ones that primarily infect cattle. But the current H5N1 circulating in dairy cattle is the same influenza A virus as seen in the ongoing outbreak in birds.
This is of particular concern, as only influenza A viruses have been associated with human pandemics.
Avian influenza viruses circulate in wild birds but don’t typically cause them significant disease. While many avian influenza viruses can infect poultry, their behavior in those hosts classifies the virus as either highly pathogenic or low pathogenic. It’s important to note that this classification doesn’t necessarily indicate how easily it spreads or the likelihood that the virus will jump to other species.
The currently circulating strain is classified as highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, based on the high mortality it causes domestic poultry. One of the many unusual characteristics of the current outbreak is the high mortality seen in wild birds; as a result, we have seen many species of young carnivores and scavengers infected by the virus.
Infection in other species often requires exposure to a large amount of virus, or a compromised or underdeveloped immune system. These are typically “dead-end hosts.” They become infected but do not play a role in virus spread because either the animal dies or it becomes infected but not infectious.
The current outbreak of HPAI H5N1 has been ongoing since 2021. The outbreak is notable for its duration, wide geographic spread and unusual impact on nonpoultry species as well. It has caused significant illness and death in wild birds like ducks and geese, as well as mammals exposed to infected bird carcasses like cats and skunks.
However when the USDA unexpectedly confirmed that H5N1 was the cause of significant disease in dairy cattle in early 2024, it marked the first time that the virus was detected in U.S. dairy cattle.
What does the virus do to cattle?
Most cows infected with H5N1 recover on their own without treatment. Symptoms include fever and sluggishness. There is also decreased appetite and a significant drop in milk production in lactating cows, as the virus is concentrated in the mammary glands and milk.
There are three reasons to care about the ongoing H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle:
First, the drop in milk production and the virus’s infectious nature create challenges for farmers to control the infection and lead to economic losses. In addition to the production losses, there are additional labor and supply costs to manage the outbreak in the herd, including separation and supportive care of sick cows. Workers also need to use personal protective equipment to prevent spread of the virus to healthy animals and to protect themselves from potential infection.
Second, dairy cows produce large amounts of the virus in milk, which is highly infectious. While pasteurization kills the virus, raw milk remains a major infection risk. Significant numbers of wild mammals and domestic cats on dairy farms have died from the virus after consuming raw milk. It also poses a risk to dairy workers.
The virus has also spread from dairy farms to poultry facilities, causing high bird mortality. Experts are exploring the possibility that clothing, shoes, trucks, equipment and other items that have been contaminated with raw milk containing the virus can lead to inadvertent, and lethal, exposure for poultry.
Third, prolonged circulation in cattle increases the risk of the virus adapting to mammals, including humans.
To monitor this risk, all H5N1-positive samples are sent to the USDA for genetic sequencing to identify mutations that may increase the virus’s ability to infect mammals and to provide important information about how the virus spreads within and between populations.
How do we manage H5N1 moving forward?
Biosecurity for poultry and dairy facilities is more critical than ever. Biosecurity measures include limiting visitors to farms and facilities; disinfecting tools, footwear and equipment; avoiding contact between infected and noninfected species; and isolating sick animals.
These measures play an important role in both containing the virus and keeping it away from other animals, properties and people.
Kimberly Dodd, Dean of College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Sensei introduces a new customer experience with democratic entry, simplified real-time basket checkout, discrepancy detection and streamlining the grocery experience for customers.
NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — Sensei (https://www.sensei.tech/), a global leader in autonomous retail technology, is proud to announce the official debut of its groundbreaking autonomous supermarket at NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, taking place in New York City from January 12-14. Sensei introduces real-time basket technology and an autonomous experience with assisted sales; transforming customer convenience and operational efficiency.
“Sensei’s technology goes beyond eliminating checkout lines – it enhances the entire shopping journey while providing retailers with invaluable real-time data to optimize their operations,” said Vasco Portugal, CEO and Co-Founder of Sensei. “We’re excited to bring this transformative solution to larger scale supermarkets and challenge the retail industry with what’s possible.“
At NRF 2025, Sensei will showcase a live demo of its autonomous store concept at Booth 117 in the FoodService Innovation Zone. Attendees will experience firsthand how Sensei’s technology creates a seamless shopping experience, combining:
- Autonomous Grocery Solutions: Consumers grab items like cereal, milk, or pasta, and their virtual basket updates in real-time.
- Assisted Sales Integration: Retailers can redeploy staff from checkout lines to high-value roles, such as supporting bakery or deli operations.
- Smart Integration: Automated systems like coffee machines can be seamlessly incorporated into the autonomous ecosystem.
Pioneering Retail Innovation
Sensei’s proprietary AI technology combines computer vision, machine learning and sensors to achieve 99% accuracy in tracking consumer interactions with products, a significant improvement over existing autonomous solutions. Shoppers enjoy transparency, as purchases are displayed in real-time, eliminating the friction of scanning and lines.
Exclusive Launch Announcement
Sensei’s presence at NRF coincides with the launch of its 1,200+ square-meter autonomous supermarket in Portugal, in partnership with MC (Sonae Group), the country’s leading grocery retailer. This groundbreaking achievement sets a new benchmark for large-scale autonomous retail environments. Store features include:
- Democratic Entry: No app, card, or registration is required to enter the store. The entry is open as in any regular supermarket.
- Diverse and Comprehensive Assortment: The store offers a range of products similar to a traditional supermarket, including solutions like weighable fruits and vegetables, a fish market with service, and bakery and pastry options sold in bulk.
- Simplified Checkout: Thanks to “real-time basket” technology, customers don’t need to scan products. At checkout, items automatically appear on the screen for confirmation, eliminating the need to remove products from bags or carts.
- Discrepancy Detection: The technology identifies discrepancies between what the customer picked up (e.g., fruits and vegetables) and what was actually weighted, ensuring greater control and accuracy throughout the shopping journey.
This innovative retail environment integrates AI-powered computer vision, shelf sensors, and real-time inventory tracking to provide unparalleled accuracy and convenience for consumers while delivering valuable behavioral insights and operational efficiencies for retailers.
Visit Sensei at NRF 2025
Sensei will host autonomous store demo at its booth (#117) in the FoodService Innovation Zone at NRF 2025. Explore how autonomous solutions can revolutionize grocery stores, convenience stores, and beyond.
About Sensei
Sensei is the leading European provider of autonomous retail technology, a pioneer in the industry, it was the first technology company to open fully autonomous stores in Europe, Latin America and Brazil. Through an advanced infrastructure that combines AI, computer vision, and sensor fusion, Sensei builds experiences that make shopping more intuitive and generate unprecedented store metrics and performance insights for businesses. www.sensei.tech
SOURCE Sensei Tech
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financial wellness
Case Dismissed: How One Arizona Woman Battled and Won Against a Major Debt Collector
Anne Munoz, a retired school bus driver from Arizona, fought and won against a baseless debt lawsuit, demonstrating the power of self-advocacy and inspiring others to challenge predatory debt collection practices.
It’s far too common: debt collectors overwhelming unsuspecting consumers with lawsuits, often for debts they don’t even owe. In the United States alone, millions face this daunting reality every year. Yet, a remarkable story emerged recently from Arizona that serves as a beacon of hope for those ensnared in predatory debt collection practices. This is the story of Anne Munoz, a retired school bus driver who found her voice and fought back.
First reported on 12 News Phoenix, Arizona. Read the article here: https://www.12news.com/article/news/investigations/i-team/debt-collector-filed-more-than-20000-lawsuits-maricopa-county-how-one-woman-fighting-back/75-47323880-62a9-4951-8880-626c027602c3
This story demands attention as we are committed to delivering vital information that empowers individuals who find themselves in the challenging situation of facing predatory debt collectors.
The Unfounded Lawsuit
In September 2024, Anne Munoz received shocking news: she was being sued by Portfolio Recovery Associates, a formidable debt collection agency, for over $2,700 allegedly owed on a computer she purchased in 2011. Upon being served the lawsuit, Munoz felt an instinctive sense that something was amiss. “When you come after me wrongfully, I’m going to make as much noise as possible, and that’s what I’ve done,” she declared. With unwavering resolve, she dived headfirst into researching her case and defending herself against what she knew was a baseless claim.
A Diligent Investigation
Anne may not be a lawyer, but her tenacity and research skills proved invaluable. As she delved deeper, she uncovered a startling detail: another “Anne Munoz” had been sued for the same debt, but this woman lived in Missouri—a state Anne had never even set foot in. “This is not my debt,” she stated firmly, reinforcing her commitment to clearing her name.
Understanding her rights, Munoz filed complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, highlighting that Portfolio Recovery Associates was pursuing claims on a debt that was not only too old but also lacking sufficient documentation. Her assertions raised serious questions about the legitimacy of the lawsuit.
A Common Issue
Unfortunately, Anne’s experience is not an isolated incident. Debt collection lawsuits are all too frequent, with estimates ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 million filed against American consumers each year. In Maricopa County alone, Portfolio Recovery Associates has reportedly filed over 20,000 lawsuits since 2022. Alarmingly, a significant percentage of these cases—between 60% and 70%—often end in default judgment simply because consumers don’t respond, whether due to intimidation, confusion, or a host of other reasons.
Lester Bird from the Pew Charitable Trusts shed light on this troubling reality: “When most people aren’t engaging, the courts need to be a backstop for people to ensure that these cases are valid,” he emphasized. The urgency for reform, including better documentation requirements and support for consumers who self-represent, is clear.
Dismissing the Case
On January 15, 2025, Anne Munoz received the news she had fought so hard for—her case was dismissed. Her determination serves as a testament to the power of advocacy and self-research. “I’m not an attorney, but I can read. I can do research, you know?” she reiterated, reminding us that knowledge is power, even if you’re fighting a giant.
A New Mission
But for Anne Munoz, victory is only the beginning. She is committed to helping others who find themselves in similar predicaments. “It’s not just me, there are other people,” Munoz shared, reflecting on the broader implications of her battle. Her story encapsulates the importance of fighting back against predatory practices and supporting those who may not have the resources or knowledge to do so.
Conclusion
Anne Munoz’s story is a powerful reminder that one person’s voice can resonate and effect change. It shines a light on the vulnerability many face when dealing with aggressive debt collection practices, and it encourages others to stand their ground when faced with unjust claims. If you or someone you know is embroiled in a debt-related legal battle, remember Anne’s journey—and know that you have the power to fight back.
In a world where debt collectors often win by default, let’s amplify voices like Anne’s and work toward a fairer system where justice isn’t solely reliant on the consumer’s response. It’s time to demand accountability, transparency, and integrity from debt collectors, and to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Read the story on 12 NEWS
Source: 12 News Phoenix
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- Customers in the U.S. can buy new Hyundai vehicles directly on Amazon Autos and schedule pickup through participating dealers
- Hyundai is the first and currently only brand available on Amazon Autos
- National program launch kicks off with all-new marketing campaign highlighting the convenience of “Add to Cart”
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Car buyers around the U.S. can browse, order and finance any new Hyundai vehicle through a participating Hyundai dealer directly on Amazon Autos, and schedule a pickup from the dealer. Amazon’s online vehicle sales experience is available nationally in 54 markets, representing 71 percent of Hyundai’s sales volume.1 This creates another way for Hyundai dealers to build awareness of their inventory and offer more convenience to their customers. Additional dealer participation, markets and functionalities will continue to roll out throughout the year.
“At Hyundai, we put the customer at the center of everything we do, and we are always looking for ways to improve the vehicle purchasing experience,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. “We’re thrilled to be the first brand enabling our dealers to sell vehicles through Amazon Autos. This collaboration allows customers to conveniently discover, learn about, and purchase their preferred Hyundai model from their local dealer through one of the world’s most trusted shopping experiences. It represents the future of automotive retail and our commitment to redefining how cars are marketed and purchased.”
National Marketing Campaign
To support the launch, Hyundai is announcing an extensive marketing campaign that includes integrated partnerships, TV and digital video advertising, social extensions and more. All-new ads highlighting the joy and simplicity of “Add to Cart” begin airing across television, social and digital channels today.
The ad, set in an Amazon fulfillment center, showcases iconic toys and merchandise typically ordered from Amazon, culminating in the reveal of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe from an Amazon shipping box. The creative then fades into showing how seamless it is to add the Santa Fe to an Amazon Cart on your phone via Amazon Autos.
The content will air nationally, including during upcoming professional football and basketball games, and on Amazon Prime Video properties. Beyond video, Hyundai is diversifying the channel mix to demonstrate the ease of purchase on Amazon through out-of-home (OOH), audio, website content, paid search and media partnership integrations.
Furthermore, Hyundai is also spotlighting key consumer benefits such as ease and convenience in a mini-campaign series titled “In the Time it Takes”, which will run on digital and social channels beginning in mid-January through March. The creative highlights various scenarios in life that should be simple but take longer than expected (i.e. finding the remote or teaching your parent the newest slang term) and then shows how purchasing a Hyundai vehicle on Amazon Autos is even easier than these tasks and could have been completed in this time.
The integrated program was developed in collaboration with Hyundai’s creative agency of record, INNOCEAN USA, while its media agency, Canvas, coordinated the media buys.
Amazon Autos Vehicle Purchase Experience
The following Amazon Autos information is from About Amazon.
With Amazon Autos, customers have a simple, end-to-end online experience to purchase their next Hyundai vehicle, allowing them to:
- Browse and search for available vehicles at their local dealer by make, model, trim, color, and features
- Get an instant valuation and trade-in their existing vehicle toward the price of the new car
- Select their preferred car
- Secure financing or pay in full
- Complete the checkout process online with their chosen payment option
- Schedule a pick-up time at the dealership
All of this is done within the convenient Amazon experience that customers know and trust, providing a streamlined and transparent car buying process from search to purchase.
Convenient, streamlined experience
With Amazon Autos, customers can search available vehicles from local participating dealers by model, trim, color, features and more—all in one place. Once they select a vehicle, they can secure financing, e-sign paperwork, and complete their order in a matter of clicks.
After finalizing their payment information, customers will select a day and time to pick up their new car at the local participating dealership.
Transparent, haggle-free pricing
Amazon Autos provides transparent, all-inclusive pricing set by the dealer, eliminating the need for negotiation. The price customers see at check-out is the price they pay, inclusive of all taxes and fees.
Seamless vehicle trade-ins
Customers can get a firm trade-in value for their current vehicle by answering a set of questions about the vehicle’s condition and uploading images of their car. The value, which is provided by an independent third-party, can then be applied towards purchasing their new car through Amazon Autos – streamlining the upgrade process within the familiar Amazon shopping experience. At the dealership, customers complete the process by dropping off their trade-in when picking up their new vehicle.
Trusted Amazon shopping experience customers know and love
Vehicle shopping and purchases happen directly within the Amazon store with familiar features like customer reviews, seller (dealership) reviews, add to cart, and the simplicity of the Amazon checkout process.
“At Fred Beans Automotive Group, we take pride in making sure each customer vehicle delivery is a special occasion, in fact we refer to them as events,” said Beth Gilbert Beans, vice president of Fred Beans Automotive Group, which owns five Hyundai dealerships in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. “The decision to buy a car is significant, and no matter how many years I’ve been in this business, the thrill of handing over a set of car keys never fades. We’re excited to continue providing that feeling through this new sales channel and connecting with the millions of shoppers on Amazon through this new, convenient experience.”
More Hyundai dealers will continue to be added to Amazon Autos. Functionality like leasing and expanded financing options will continue to roll out early this year.
Visit Amazon.com/Autos and HyundaiUSA.com/Amazon to learn more.
Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai’s 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.
Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok
1 Amazon Autos is available at select Hyundai dealers in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Beaumont-Port Arthur, Birmingham, Boston, Champaign/Springfield, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbia, Columbus, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, El Paso, Fond Du Lac, Ft. Myers/Naples, Harrisburg-York, PA, Harrisonburg, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis St., Nashville, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Raleigh-Durham, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Sheboygan, Springfield, MA, St. Louis, Tampa, Traverse City, MI, W. Palm Beach, Washington, D.C.
SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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