Concerns Rise Over Avian Influenza in US Dairy Cows
Source: The DairyNews
While US agriculture officials initially downplayed the outbreak of avian influenza in dairy cows, recent developments suggest a more widespread issue than previously acknowledged. Texas officials have revealed that the number of dairy farms affected by sick cows exceeds the eight confirmed cases reported so far.
Despite the US Department of Agriculture's announcement on March 25 indicating limited impact, the reality appears more complex. With approximately 90 million cattle nationwide, authorities face challenges in accurately gauging the virus's prevalence among herds.
Of particular concern is the detection of the bird flu strain H5N1 in US dairy cows, marking the first instances of avian influenza in cattle. The emergence of this strain raises alarms due to its potential to trigger a human pandemic, a long-standing fear among scientists.
The revelation of positive cow tests follows a period of nearly two months during which dairy farmers in the Texas Panhandle grappled with an unidentified illness affecting their herds. Subsequent investigations suggest that avian flu may be responsible for the mysterious sickness, highlighting the urgency of addressing the situation.
Of particular concern is the detection of the bird flu strain H5N1 in US dairy cows, marking the first instances of avian influenza in cattle. The emergence of this strain raises alarms due to its potential to trigger a human pandemic, a long-standing fear among scientists.
The revelation of positive cow tests follows a period of nearly two months during which dairy farmers in the Texas Panhandle grappled with an unidentified illness affecting their herds. Subsequent investigations suggest that avian flu may be responsible for the mysterious sickness, highlighting the urgency of addressing the situation.
