Business Today: Discoveries of H5N1-Infected Dairy Cows in Multiple US States

The recent discovery of H5N1-infected dairy cows in several states in the US has sparked concern among health officials. However, it is important to note that the commercial milk supply in the country remains safe, and the risk to the general public is still low.

H5N1 Virus Found in Dairy Cows

For the first time, avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in dairy cows, raising alarms within the dairy industry. To address this new reality, US milk producers have begun enhancing biosecurity efforts on farms, such as limiting access to and from the premises, restricting employee movement, and allowing only essential personnel.

Although isolated cases of avian influenza infection in humans have occurred, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that avian influenza viruses “typically do not spread to humans.”

Impact on Dairy Cows

Officials from the Texas Animal Health Commission have confirmed that the avian influenza virus affecting the dairy cows is strain A/H5N1, a known cause of bird outbreaks and occasional human infections. This virus is currently affecting older dairy cows in multiple states, including Texas and New Mexico, resulting in symptoms such as decreased milk production, reduced appetite, and changes in fecal consistency.

Safety Measures in the US Dairy Industry

This incident comes just a week after officials in Minnesota reported the infection of goats on a farm previously affected by avian influenza. US dairy companies are required to only allow milk from healthy animals into the food supply chain. Milk from infected animals is redirected or destroyed.

In rare cases where diseased milk contaminates the food supply, the pasteurization process, which is a mandatory procedure for commercially sold milk, can eliminate viruses and other bacteria, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA assures consumers that there is currently no cause for concern regarding the safety of the commercial milk supply or any potential health risks posed to consumers. Federal tests on livestock have not indicated any increased transmissibility of the virus to humans.

Economic Impact

While agricultural officials in Texas expect the livestock to recover, the outbreak could have negative economic consequences for some dairy farms. Affected herds may experience a significant reduction of up to 40% in milk production for 7 to 10 days, until symptoms alleviate.

However, for US consumers, the USDA asserts that any potential reduction in milk supply due to diseased livestock is currently limited and unlikely to have a significant impact on the overall milk availability and prices.

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