The strain of bird flu is distinct from what has previously been found in dairy cattle. The finding means the virus has again spilled over from birds to cows, and it raises some worrying questions.

The detection indicates that distinct forms of the virus known as Type A H5N1 have spilled over from wild birds into cattle at least twice. Experts said it raises new questions about wider spread and the difficulty of controlling infections in animals and the people who work closely with them.