California dairy farmers are on high alert as they notice a drop in milk production in certain states due to avian influenza in herds. Restrictions have been imposed on cattle imports from affected states as the US Department of Agriculture urges minimizing movement of cattle.
The state has seen its first known case of avian influenza in US dairy cows, sparking concerns over risks of human exposure and potential virus adaptation. With no single agency responsible for following the disease which impacts wildlife, agriculture, and public health, the Department of Food and Agriculture in California is asking farmers to be vigilant for sick birds and mammals.
There are concerns over possible transmission via infected poultry litter, but state officials are reassuring the public about the safety of milk and control measures in place. Experts, however, express worry over the potential evolution of the virus that could be easily transmitted between species.
Furthermore, there are concerns over the virus spreading to factory pigs and swine, which are seen as effective flu-recombination factories. Increased surveillance is needed to monitor the virus’s impact on food safety and human health. It is a crucial time for farmers and state officials to work together to prevent the further spread of this potentially dangerous virus.
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