Wild migratory birds likely spread deadly avian influenza to dairy cows in Texas and Kansas. state and federal employee It was announced this week.
This is believed to be the first time that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been found in cattle in the United States.Last week, Minnesota officials confirmed they had discovered a case of HPAI. among the young goatsThis is the first time the virus has been discovered in domestic ruminants in the United States.
According to the Associated Press, Texas Animal Health Commission officials confirmed that the influenza virus is the A H5N1 strain, which has been ravaging bird populations around the world for years. As the virus continues to spread explosively, many mammalian spillover events have occurred, leading epidemiologists to worry that the virus could adapt to widespread human infection.
The risk to the general public is low at this time. According to a release from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)Genetic testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory showed that the H5N1 strain that has spread to cattle does not appear to contain mutations that would make it more infectious to humans. Influenza strains have been detected in milk samples from some infected cows, but the USDA stressed that all milk from infected cows is being diverted and discarded. Dairy farms are required to send only milk from healthy animals that is processed for human consumption. Still, even if some of the influenza-contaminated milk is processed for human consumption, standard pasteurization processes inactivate not only bacteria but also viruses, including influenza.
So far, authorities believe the virus is primarily affecting older cattle. The virus was also detected in milk from sick cows on two farms in Kansas and one in Texas, and in throat swabs from cows on a second farm in Texas. The USDA noted that farmers found dead birds on their property, indicating exposure to infected birds. Cattle disease has also been reported in New Mexico. Symptoms of avian influenza in cows appear to include decreased milk production and decreased appetite.
However, for now, the USDA does not believe the spread of H5N1 will have a significant impact on milk production or herds. Milk loss is limited. Only about 10% of affected herds show signs of infection, with “little or no associated mortality.” The USDA said it would continue to remain vigilant, calling the situation a “rapidly evolving situation.”
While federal and state officials continue to track the virus, Texas officials aim to reassure consumers. “There is no threat to the public and there will be no shortages,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. in a statement. “No contaminated milk is known to have entered the food chain. It has all been discarded. Even if some contaminated milk did enter the food chain, the pasteurization process would kill the virus. right.”
