Avian Flu Detected in Colorado Dairy Cows Amidst Nationwide Outbreak
Source: The DairyNews
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed cases of bird flu in dairy cows in northeast Colorado, marking the first instance of avian flu in the state's cattle, as reported by state officials.
This development adds Colorado to the list of eight other states where bird flu has been identified in dairy cows, including Idaho, South Dakota, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, Michigan, Ohio, and North Carolina.
Symptoms consistent with avian flu were observed in a dairy herd, including decreased eating, reduced milk production, and abnormal milk resembling colostrum. Although affected cattle show signs of recovery with supportive care, tests conducted at the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory yielded presumptive positive results for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Confirmation came from the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratory.
Colorado State Veterinarian Maggie Baldwin emphasized the importance of implementing enhanced biosecurity measures to curb the spread of the virus, which appears to be transmitting between cows and herds. Meanwhile, Michigan and Texas have also reported avian flu outbreaks, with notable developments including infections in dairy cattle and the first known case of human transmission of bird flu from a mammal.
Colorado's response to the avian flu outbreak will be updated on the state's dedicated webpage, with collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Public Health and Environment to provide disease control guidance. Despite concerns arising from recent outbreaks, health officials assure the safety of the commercial milk supply, as milk undergoes pasteurization before reaching the market.
While the risk to the public remains low, vigilance and enhanced biosecurity measures are recommended for both dairy and poultry producers. Detailed actions for disease monitoring and control can be found in the USDA's livestock recommendations document, which will be updated as new information becomes available.
Symptoms consistent with avian flu were observed in a dairy herd, including decreased eating, reduced milk production, and abnormal milk resembling colostrum. Although affected cattle show signs of recovery with supportive care, tests conducted at the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory yielded presumptive positive results for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Confirmation came from the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratory.
Colorado State Veterinarian Maggie Baldwin emphasized the importance of implementing enhanced biosecurity measures to curb the spread of the virus, which appears to be transmitting between cows and herds. Meanwhile, Michigan and Texas have also reported avian flu outbreaks, with notable developments including infections in dairy cattle and the first known case of human transmission of bird flu from a mammal.
Colorado's response to the avian flu outbreak will be updated on the state's dedicated webpage, with collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Public Health and Environment to provide disease control guidance. Despite concerns arising from recent outbreaks, health officials assure the safety of the commercial milk supply, as milk undergoes pasteurization before reaching the market.
While the risk to the public remains low, vigilance and enhanced biosecurity measures are recommended for both dairy and poultry producers. Detailed actions for disease monitoring and control can be found in the USDA's livestock recommendations document, which will be updated as new information becomes available.
