Bird Flu Outbreak Affects Dairy Herds in Multiple States
The bird flu outbreak has spread to more than two dozen dairy herds across eight states in the U.S. after initially being found in chickens at the nation’s largest egg producer. Health officials have moved swiftly to reassure the public that the risk to consumer health is low and that the food supply remains safe.
The virus, identified as Type A H5N1, has now been detected in cattle for the first time, although it has been seen in other mammals in recent years. Agriculture officials have taken action by restricting imports of dairy cattle from affected states, but commercial milk production has not been significantly impacted.
Farmers are taking precautions by testing cows for infection, isolating sick animals, and reporting any cows showing symptoms such as reduced milk supply and lethargy. While there is no evidence to suggest that people can contract the virus through consuming pasteurized or properly cooked food, two individuals in the U.S. have been infected with bird flu, both of whom have since recovered.
Producers are now required to pasteurize milk being sold across state lines to ensure safety. The risk of unpasteurized milk transmitting the virus is still uncertain, so raw milk providers are being advised not to sell products made with milk from infected cows or those exposed to the virus.
So far, only dairy cows, not beef cattle, have been affected by the virus. The largest egg producer in the country took swift action by culling millions of laying hens and young hens upon detecting bird flu, although they have assured the public that there is no risk to eggs in the market.
Health experts recommend cooking eggs thoroughly as the situation with the virus continues to evolve. As the outbreak continues to be monitored, both health officials and farmers are working diligently to contain and address the spread of bird flu within the dairy industry.
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