Avian Flu Outbreak Reaches Minnesota Dairy Herd
Source: The DairyNews
The ongoing avian flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cattle has reached Minnesota, marking the state's first infected herd, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health announced on Thursday.
Since late March, over 80 dairy herds across 11 states have been infected with the virus, and three dairy workers have tested positive. The farmer of the affected Minnesota herd reported more than 40 cows with signs of fever. Tests conducted on Monday were confirmed positive by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories on Wednesday night.
State veterinarian Brian Hoefs stated that the infected animals are recovering. Milk from the sick cows was disposed of, and the herd has been quarantined for 30 days to prevent the virus from spreading. The herd can be retested for release from quarantine 30 days after the last positive test result.
"We knew it was only a matter of time before this detection would reach our doorstep," Hoefs commented. "It’s important for dairy farmers to follow the example of this herd and test sick cows."
While this is the first confirmed case in a Minnesota dairy farm, other farms had previously tested for avian flu due to signs of illness in cattle. More samples from dairy farms could be sent to the state lab in the coming days, Hoefs noted, anticipating an increase in testing following the announcement.
Other states reporting infected herds include Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas, Reuters reported.
State veterinarian Brian Hoefs stated that the infected animals are recovering. Milk from the sick cows was disposed of, and the herd has been quarantined for 30 days to prevent the virus from spreading. The herd can be retested for release from quarantine 30 days after the last positive test result.
"We knew it was only a matter of time before this detection would reach our doorstep," Hoefs commented. "It’s important for dairy farmers to follow the example of this herd and test sick cows."
While this is the first confirmed case in a Minnesota dairy farm, other farms had previously tested for avian flu due to signs of illness in cattle. More samples from dairy farms could be sent to the state lab in the coming days, Hoefs noted, anticipating an increase in testing following the announcement.
Other states reporting infected herds include Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas, Reuters reported.
