An outbreak of bird flu has been detected in U.S. dairy cows in multiple states, including Texas, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, and Idaho. This marks the first time the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been found in dairy cattle, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
In addition to the dairy cows, young goats in Minnesota have also recently tested positive for the virus. While the virus primarily infects birds’ respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, it can spread to mammals and humans. However, the risk to the public remains low, as most human infections have occurred after exposure to infected poultry.
The virus detected in the dairy cows is not more transmissible to humans, and there is no impact on dairy products or the commercial dairy supply. Dairies are required to destroy milk from affected cows, and milk that enters interstate commerce is pasteurized, which kills bacteria and viruses, including influenza.
Regulators and farmers are working to contain the spread of the virus by implementing biosecurity measures and testing sick livestock. Fortunately, sick cows at affected farms have recovered with no or minimal mortality reported.
The USDA recommends practicing good biosecurity measures, limiting animal movements, and isolating sick cows to prevent further spread of the virus. With these measures in place, authorities are optimistic about effectively managing the outbreak and protecting the nation’s dairy industry.
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