USDA, FDA, and CDC Investigating Illness in Dairy Cows
Government agencies are currently investigating an illness affecting dairy cows that has led to decreased lactation and low appetite. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus has been detected in dairy herds in Texas, Kansas, and Michigan.
Presumptive positive test results have also been reported in herds in New Mexico, Idaho, and Texas, with confirmation pending. The virus strain found in Michigan is similar to the strains in Texas and Kansas, indicating it may have been introduced by wild birds.
Despite the spread of symptoms among the Michigan herd, the risk to the public remains low. There have been no changes found that would make the virus more transmissible to humans. However, transmission between cattle cannot be ruled out.
There is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply due to pasteurization. The FDA recommends against manufacturing or selling raw milk products from symptomatic cows, as raw milk consumption poses serious health risks.
Fortunately, milk loss from symptomatic cattle has been limited so far and should not impact milk supply or prices. Producers are urged to report cattle illnesses quickly and implement enhanced biosecurity measures to minimize the impact and risk of the virus.
For more information on biosecurity measures, visit the provided link.
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