Federal Officials Confirm H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreaks in California Dairy Herds Due to Interstate Cattle Transport
Source: DairyNews.today
Federal authorities have confirmed outbreaks of the H5N1 bird flu in three California dairy herds, likely resulting from the interstate transportation of cattle rather than direct exposure to infected wild birds. The announcement follows initial suspicions last week that cows at three Central Valley dairies had contracted the virus, with test results now confirming the infection.
The strain identified in the California herds closely matches that found in Colorado, indicating that the virus spread through the movement of cattle between states. “The B3.13 genetic sequence found in the infected cows clearly points to anthropogenic movement, with almost no chance of independent transmission from wild birds,” said Bryan Richards, Emerging Disease Coordinator at the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center. “Anyone suggesting wild birds are to blame: absolutely not!”
In a statement issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), officials reassured the public that there have been no confirmed human cases of H5N1 in the state. Both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health officials consider the risk to humans to be low. However, dairy workers who come into close contact with infected cows remain the primary concern. There have been four cases of human infection linked to dairy operations in other states, including Texas, Colorado, and Michigan.
State officials emphasized that the milk and dairy supply in California remains safe. Contaminated milk is prohibited from being sold, and pasteurization effectively neutralizes the virus, ensuring that consumers face no risks from pasteurized milk or dairy products.
"We’ve been preparing for this possibility since earlier this year, following reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy herds in other states," said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. "Our extensive experience with managing HPAI in poultry has equipped us to handle this situation effectively, prioritizing both worker safety and public health."
In an effort to contain the spread, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed restrictions on interstate cattle transfers, mandating that lactating dairy cattle be tested for bird flu prior to any movement. Additionally, livestock owners are required to report any positive cases before transporting animals across state lines.
In a statement issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), officials reassured the public that there have been no confirmed human cases of H5N1 in the state. Both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health officials consider the risk to humans to be low. However, dairy workers who come into close contact with infected cows remain the primary concern. There have been four cases of human infection linked to dairy operations in other states, including Texas, Colorado, and Michigan.
State officials emphasized that the milk and dairy supply in California remains safe. Contaminated milk is prohibited from being sold, and pasteurization effectively neutralizes the virus, ensuring that consumers face no risks from pasteurized milk or dairy products.
"We’ve been preparing for this possibility since earlier this year, following reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy herds in other states," said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. "Our extensive experience with managing HPAI in poultry has equipped us to handle this situation effectively, prioritizing both worker safety and public health."
In an effort to contain the spread, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed restrictions on interstate cattle transfers, mandating that lactating dairy cattle be tested for bird flu prior to any movement. Additionally, livestock owners are required to report any positive cases before transporting animals across state lines.
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