USDA Confirms Dairy Cattle in TX, KS Infected With Avian Flu

In an urgent press release, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been found in dairy cattle in two states.

Just last week, a report confirmed the fatal infection of a goat in Minnesota.

The USDA states that the illness is primarily affecting "older dairy cows", and has tested positive in milk from dairy farms in Kansas and Texas as well as an oral swab from a third dairy in Texas. New Mexico ranchers have also reported a similar illness.

This is a result of a continued investigation into what was first deemed a mystery illness which caused low appetite, a drop in milk production, sometimes thicker colostrum-like milk, loose feces, and fever. There is little to no mortality reported among affected herds, with limited infection rates.

It is believed that the cattle were infected by wild birds. Deceased wild birds have been found on farms in the area.

The agency is confirming that at this time, no evidence suggests that consumer health is at risk, and that the commercial milk supply remains safe. Milk from unhealthy animals is not sent into the food supply, and pasteurization continues to protect against bacteria and viruses that might remain in milk.

Livestock owners are encouraged to learn and practice biosecurity measures to protect their animals as well as prevent the further spread of disease. Those measures include:

• Limiting access to barns and production areas
• Wearing protective gear
• Checking structures for damage where birds might enter
• Setting up netting or other deterrents to wild birds
• Removing standing water
• Avoiding the use of untreated/unfiltered water in operations
• Reduce food sources such as fallen fruit and tall grass
• Cover all waste