Consumer Corner

Bird flu flares up again in Michigan poultry – an infectious disease expert explains the risk to humans, chickens, cows and other animals

Published

2 months ago

February 3, 2025

Daily News Staff

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.

Black and white cows with yellow tags in ears graze in a pasture — The H5N1 avian flu virus is unique in its ability to cause disease in dairy cows and other mammals. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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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Consumer Corner

Zelle Shuts Down Standalone App: Transitioning Users to Bank Platforms

Zelle’s standalone app ceased money transfers on April 1, 2025, requiring users to access the service via participating banks, enhancing security amid rising digital fraud.

Published

3 days ago

April 10, 2025

Rod Washington

On April 1, 2025, Zelle, one of the most widely used digital payment services in the United States, officially shut down the money transferring services available on its standalone mobile app. While the service itself is not disappearing, many users will need to adapt to a new way of accessing this popular tool for peer-to-peer payments.

Why It Matters

Zelle has established itself as a key player in the peer-to-peer payment market. It facilitates instantaneous transfers without fees between bank accounts, making it a foundational tool for consumers and small businesses alike. The change primarily affects those who previously used the Zelle app independently of their bank’s app or website. Users will now need to re-enroll with one of the 2,200 participating banks or credit unions that offer Zelle via their digital banking platforms.

What Is Happening to the App?

Though the standalone Zelle app has closed its money transfer services, users will still be able to access it. The app now provides a directory of the over 2,200 banks and credit unions that support Zelle. A recent press release indicates that the app will shift its focus to consumer education, particularly around scams and fraud prevention. According to an in-app alert accessed on April 4, users can continue to log into the app until August 11, 2025.

Why Is Zelle Shutting Down the App?

Zelle announced the decision to shut down its standalone app back in October 2024, noting that a significant majority of its users already access the service through their bank’s apps or websites. Since the announcement, the company has been phasing out enrollment and transaction capabilities within the standalone app. Late last year, Zelle communicated again via in-app alerts and emails, urging users to migrate to their bank or credit union’s platform to continue using the service.

In a statement regarding the shift, Zelle highlighted its remarkable growth, reporting that consumers and small businesses moved nearly half a trillion dollars on the platform in the first half of 2024, a 28% year-over-year increase. Initially launched in 2017 primarily for users whose financial institutions had not yet joined the network, Zelle has experienced widespread adoption across almost all major banks and credit unions.

Zelle’s decision may also be motivated by security concerns. With an uptick in fraud targeting digital payment apps, directing users through regulated financial institutions may afford them additional protection and oversight.

When Did the App Shut Down?

The standalone Zelle app ceased processing transactions on April 1, 2025. Users can no longer send or receive money via the app, and those who wish to continue using Zelle must re-enroll through a compatible bank or credit union’s mobile app or website.

How Will My Payments Be Affected?

Individuals who previously used the standalone Zelle app need to take action. They can no longer send or receive money via the app and must migrate to a bank or credit union that offers Zelle. Users who do not re-enroll through a partner institution should inform their senders accordingly.

To check if a specific bank supports Zelle, visit enroll.zellepay.com. Once logged into a bank’s mobile app or website, users can usually locate Zelle in the “Payments” or “Transfers” section. The transition may require users to verify their email address or phone number associated with their former Zelle account.

Fortunately, those using Zelle through their mobile banking app will not experience any changes and do not need to take further action.

How Many People Use Zelle?

As of June 2024, Zelle boasted 143 million consumer and small business accounts, with users executing money transfers 1.7 billion times in the previous year. The integration of Zelle into nearly all major U.S. banks indicates that it will likely retain its dominance in the digital payment space, despite the changes to its standalone application.

While the shutdown of Zelle’s standalone app marks a significant transition, the underlying service remains robust and widely utilized. By directing users to bank platforms, Zelle aims to enhance security and further solidify its position in the competitive landscape of digital payments. As users adapt to this change, Zelle continues to play a vital role in simplifying and securing money transfers across the country.

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Consumer Corner

Cinematic Anamorphic Lens Mod for GoPro HERO13 Black Now Shipping and Available Internationally

Published

4 days ago

April 10, 2025

Daily News Staff

GoPro Anamorphic Lens Mod + HERO13 Black

Anamorphic Lens Mod for HERO13 Black Delivers Dramatic, Hollywood-like Video for Creators and Filmmakers in a Tremendously Affordable Package

SAN MATEO, Calif., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GoPro (NASDAQ: GPRO) is now shipping the Anamorphic Lens Mod for its new camera, HERO13 Black. Anamorphic Lens Mod delivers expanded performance for creators and filmmakers looking to achieve cinematic and artistic video from HERO13 Black. With a Hollywood-ready 21:9 aspect ratio and ultra-wide field of view complemented by lessened distortion, the Anamorphic Lens Mod is perfect for professional cinematographers, photographers, and creators looking to achieve sought-after Anamorphic perspectives and lens flares in a package that costs a fraction of similar professional systems. Starting today, Anamorphic Lens Mod for HERO13 Black is shipping on GoPro.com for $129.99 MSRP and is available at retailers internationally. Anamorphic Lens Mod is quickly becoming a go-to lens for creators and filmmakers looking to achieve cinematic results in a small and affordable camera system. “Anamorphic Lens Mod and HERO13 Black have expanded what I can create with my GoPro,” says GoPro Creator and commercial filmmaker, Chris Rogers. “With the addition of the Anamorphic Lens Mod to my GoPro camera kit, I can capture incredibly dramatic and cinematic perspectives in a durable, and portable package that’s stands alongside professional setups that cost tenfold more.” Anamorphic Lens Mod is compatible with HERO13 Black’s Auto Detect feature, which intelligently senses Anamorphic Lens Mod and switches the camera into the corresponding mode. In-camera “de-squeezing” delivers video immediately available for review and allows for streamlined post-production editing. The Lens Mod is waterproof and tough enough to withstand the elements – helping you get the shots you need. Anamorphic Lens Mod ($129.99) joins three other Lens Mod accessories that complete the HB-Series Lens Collection.

Ultra Wide Lens Mod ($99.99): Transforms HERO13 Black into the ultimate POV camera by capturing more in every shot with a 177° field of view and new 1:1 aspect ratio.
Macro Lens Mod ($129.99): Expands the creative possibilities of HERO13 Black with variable focus on objects up to 4x closer than the standard GoPro Lens.
ND Filter 4-Pack ($69.99): Delivers smart, cinematic motion blur in photos and videos with ND4 / ND8 / ND16 / ND32 for pros and novices alike.

Also available this week, the new HB-Series Lens Collection includes the Ultra Wide Lens Mod, Macro Lens Mod, Anamorphic Lens Mod, and ND Filter 4-Pack – all together in one convenient, protective case for $349.99. Later in Q2, customers will also be able to purchase the HERO13 Black + HB-Series Lens Collection as a single bundle for $699.99 to leverage the full power of the HERO13 Black and HB-Series Lens Collection – also packaged together in a protective case. HERO13 Black, Anamorphic Lens Mod, Ultra Wide Lens Mod, Macro Lens Mod, and ND Filter 4-Pack are all now available individually on GoPro.com. About GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO)
GoPro helps the world capture and share itself in immersive and exciting ways. GoPro has been recognized as an employer of choice by both Outside Magazine and U.S. News & World Report for being among the best places to work. Open roles can be found on our careers page. For more information, visit GoPro.com. Connect with GoPro on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, YouTube, and GoPro’s blog, The Current. GoPro customers can submit their photos and videos to GoPro Awards for an opportunity to be featured on GoPro’s social channels and receive gear and cash awards. Members of the press can access official logos and imagery on our press portal. GoPro, HERO and their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SOURCE GoPro, Inc.

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News

Nissan Reduces Pricing for 2025 Rogue and Pathfinder: A Commitment to Value?

Published

1 week ago

April 6, 2025

Rod Washington

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In a move that signifies its dedication to customer satisfaction and value, Nissan has announced significant reductions in the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for two of its most popular models, the 2025 Rogue and 2025 Pathfinder. This strategic decision comes at a time when many consumers are navigating a challenging car-buying landscape, making affordability a key factor in their purchasing decisions.

Lower Prices for Greater Accessibility

The pricing adjustments span across all grades for both the Rogue and Pathfinder, reflecting Nissan’s commitment to ensuring that more customers can access quality vehicles without straining their budget. With rising costs affecting many households, these reductions are not just a reactive measure but a proactive step in continuing to provide exceptional value.

The 2025 Rogue, known for its versatility and efficient performance, will now appeal even more to families and individuals alike who prioritize both style and functionality in their vehicles. Meanwhile, the Pathfinder, a reliable and spacious SUV, caters to those needing extra room for travel, adventures, or daily commutes.

Why This Matters

For many buyers, feeling secure about their investment in a vehicle is paramount, especially when purchasing in today’s economic climate. By lowering the MSRP, Nissan aims to make the Rogue and Pathfinder not only more accessible but also more appealing as options in the competitive SUV market.

The decision to reduce prices aligns with Nissan’s larger strategy to maintain its customer-centric approach, fostering long-term relationships with buyers by ensuring they receive value for their investment.

What to Expect

As detailed in Nissan’s recent press release, prospective buyers can look forward to more competitive pricing as they explore their options. The enhanced value proposition of the 2025 Rogue and Pathfinder aims to provide customers with quality vehicles that meet their needs without compromising on features or reliability.

While specific pricing details were not fully disclosed in the press release, interested customers are encouraged to visit their local dealerships or check the official Nissan website for the latest updates and MSRP listings.

Conclusion

With the 2025 Rogue and Pathfinder, Nissan is not just reducing prices; it’s reaffirming its commitment to providing accessible, quality vehicles for all. By prioritizing affordability, Nissan continues to lead the way in understanding and addressing the needs of its customers in a rapidly changing market.

Stay updated on further developments and insights as Nissan continues to innovate and respond to the needs of car buyers everywhere. Whether you’re in the market for a spacious family SUV or a versatile crossover, Nissan’s latest offerings provide a compelling reason to consider these models.