Wild migratory birds have been blamed for spreading a deadly strain of bird flu to dairy cows in Texas and Kansas, marking the first time highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been found in cows in the United States.
Officials have also confirmed a case of HPAI in a young goat in Minnesota, marking the first time the virus has been found in a domestic ruminant in the US. The virus has been identified as the Type A H5N1 strain, which has been affecting bird populations globally.
There are concerns that the virus could potentially adapt to spread widely in humans, but the current risk is considered to be low. Testing has shown that there are no mutations in the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans.
Contaminated milk from infected cows is being diverted and destroyed, as the pasteurization process is able to kill the virus. The virus is primarily affecting older cows, with symptoms including decreased milk production and low appetite. However, there has been limited milk loss and little to no associated mortality in affected herds.
The USDA is monitoring the situation closely, calling it a “rapidly evolving situation.” Texas officials have assured the public that there is no threat and no supply shortages, as contaminated milk is being dumped and pasteurization is effectively killing the virus.
Overall, while the situation is concerning, officials are taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus and reassure the public that there is no immediate danger.
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