Title: Bird Flu Outbreak Hits Dairy Cows, Cats in Texas
In a concerning development, more dairy cows across the United States will be tested for bird flu following the recent discovery of the virus in grocery store milk. Cats around the first Texas dairy farm to test positive for bird flu tragically died after consuming raw milk from infected cows.
A report published in a CDC journal detailed the spread of the H5N1 virus through cows and to cats via contaminated raw milk. Autopsies on the deceased cats revealed high levels of the virus and severe systemic infections. Shockingly, 1 in 5 samples of milk from U.S. retailers tested positive for H5N1, raising alarm bells for health officials.
It is well-known that cats are highly susceptible to severe illness from the H5N1 virus. Cats at farms experiencing outbreaks of the virus have reported deaths and cases of neurological disease. In contrast, cows infected with the virus only showed signs of illness in up to 15% of herds and typically recovered within a month.
The recent spike in infections has prompted the CDC to issue new guidelines for veterinarians treating suspected H5N1 cases in cats. Authorities are now working swiftly to contain the spread of the virus in dairy cattle, believed to have originated from wild birds.
The USDA has taken action by ordering increased testing of ground beef for H5N1, especially in dairy cattle being shipped across state lines. As of April 30, over 2,000 tests have been conducted, revealing that 34 dairy herds have been impacted by the virus.
The situation remains fluid as health officials and veterinarians continue to monitor and respond to the evolving bird flu outbreak in dairy cows and cats across the country. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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