H5N1 infects California dairy cows, widening US outbreak


Infections showed at 3 farms


calendar icon 4 September 2024

clock icon
2 minute learn

Cows at 3 dairy farms in California, the highest US milk-producing state, examined certain for fowl flu, Reuters reported, bringing up the state’s agriculture division on Friday.

The infections amplify a US outbreak of the H5N1 virus in dairy farm animals to a 14th state. Greater than 190 herds had been inflamed nationally since March, at the side of 13 dairy and poultry farm staff, consistent with federal information.

The virus’s leap to cows from birds has heightened issues it might adapt to unfold amongst people. Federal officers say fowl flu is a low possibility for most people and pasteurization inactivates the virus in milk.

No human instances had been showed in California, the California Division of Meals and Agriculture stated in a observation. The inflamed dairy herds, situated within the state’s Central Valley area, started appearing signs on Aug. 25, the observation stated.

Inflamed cows incessantly endure quickly from lowered milk manufacturing.

“It is a difficult time for our dairy farmers given the industrial demanding situations they are dealing with,” stated Karen Ross, California’s agriculture secretary.

“We’re drawing near this incident with the maximum urgency.”

The inflamed dairies had been quarantined, the state agriculture division stated. Ill cows are remoted and being handled on the farms, whilst wholesome cows had been cleared to proceed transport milk for pasteurization, the dept stated.

The USA Division of Agriculture stated previous it used to be engaging in assessments to verify the instances in California. USDA stated it’s in shut touch with the California Division of Meals and Agriculture as a part of efforts to include the virus.



Leave a Comment