In a surprising turn of events, a highly pathogenic avian flu strain known as H5N1 has been discovered in dairy cows in Texas and Kansas. This marks the first time that the virus, usually found in birds, has been detected in cows in the United States. The virus is believed to have been spread to the cows by wild migratory birds.
Just last week, the virus was also found in a young goat in Minnesota, making it the first time H5N1 has been identified in a domestic ruminant in the US. Officials have confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain in the infected cows, which has been causing devastation to bird populations worldwide.
Fortunately, the virus was found in milk samples from the infected cows, but it is important to note that the pasteurization process effectively deactivates viruses. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has stated that there is a low risk to the public, with no mutations detected that would make the virus more transmissible to humans.
The virus seems to primarily affect older cows, with symptoms including decreased milk production and a low appetite. However, it is expected to have minimal impact on milk production or herds, with only limited milk loss and little to no mortality reported.
In response to the situation, Texas officials have reassured consumers that there is no threat to the public or to the milk supply, as all contaminated milk has been destroyed. Farmers have reported finding dead birds on their properties and sick cows in New Mexico.
The USDA is closely monitoring the situation, describing the infections as a “rapidly evolving situation.” While the discovery of H5N1 in cows is concerning, it appears that the risk to both animals and humans is currently low.
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