Dairy cattle in the United States recently tested positive for a contagious strain of bird flu. A first, according to agricultural authorities.
- US agricultural authorities have confirmed that cows on US dairy farms have contracted bird flu. This is the first time that a contagious strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in dairy cows in the country.
- Avian flu-positive samples were taken from unpasteurized milk collected from two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas, two of the largest milk-producing states in the country. Highly pathogenic avian influenza has not been detected in any beef cattle.
- The risk of transmitting the virus to humans “remains minimal”, according to authorities. And “while troubling, this outbreak is not expected to threaten our nation’s commercial dairy supply.”
A “unprecedented fact” in the USA. US agricultural authorities have confirmed that dairy farm cows in Texas and Kansas have contracted bird flu. This is the first time that a contagious strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in dairy cows in the country.
A “minimal” risk of transmission of avian flu to humans
The risk of transmission of the virus to humans “remains minimal”however reassured Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner, in a Press release. “Additional efforts to continue epidemiological investigations are underway to ensure that a complete picture of the situation can be assessed“, according to the same source. Agricultural and health authorities are currently working hand in hand to assess the symptoms in the cows concerned, most of which were elderly.
“While troubling, this outbreak is not expected to threaten our nation’s commercial dairy supply. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and other national and state agencies are working around the clock to ensure safety of our food supply.”
No beef cattle affected by avian flu
According to the TDA, samples positive for bird flu were taken from unpasteurized milk collected from two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas, two of the largest milk-producing states in the country. Highly pathogenic avian influenza has not been detected in any beef cattle, but authorities are calling on all farmers to step up controls “biosecurity measures” on their farms and ranches in order to “protect their flocks”.
In France, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, ten outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) were confirmed on farms between November 27, 2023 and January 16, 2024, the date of the last recorded outbreak. Among them, indoor turkey farms, laying hens and ducks. Since then, surveillance has been lifted.