Oklahoma Detects Bird Flu in Dairy Herd
Source: The DairyNews
Oklahoma has identified avian influenza in a dairy herd, becoming the 13th U.S. state to report such a case, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed on Monday. The state disclosed that the infection was discovered months earlier than previously known, signaling that the outbreak had been more widespread.
Since the initial detection in dairy cattle in late March, avian influenza has been found in over 150 dairy herds across the country. The USDA's announcement is part of a broader H5N1 bird flu outbreak affecting wild birds globally and spreading to poultry and various mammals, including four cases in dairy workers this year. However, the risk to the public remains low, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Lee Benson, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, reported that the positive sample was collected from an Oklahoma dairy in April after suspicions of an infected herd. The farm sent stored samples to the USDA for testing after learning it could qualify for financial aid due to lost milk production caused by the virus.
To mitigate the financial burden, the USDA has initiated a compensation program, reimbursing farmers for 90% of the lost milk production from affected cows. This measure aims to encourage prompt testing and reporting of infections by farmers.
The USDA has listed two positive herds in Oklahoma on its website. Benson clarified that the positive sample came from one dairy operation with two separate barns. He added that the USDA likely received the samples in early July, and the herd has since recovered, with no new infections reported.
In response to the outbreak, Oklahoma has distributed protective gear to dairy farmers and urged enhanced biosecurity measures at dairies, though the state does not require mandatory testing of cows, according to Rod Hall, the state veterinarian.
Meanwhile, neighboring Colorado has reported four confirmed cases of bird flu in poultry workers, with a fifth case under investigation, highlighting the continuing challenge posed by the virus.
Lee Benson, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, reported that the positive sample was collected from an Oklahoma dairy in April after suspicions of an infected herd. The farm sent stored samples to the USDA for testing after learning it could qualify for financial aid due to lost milk production caused by the virus.
To mitigate the financial burden, the USDA has initiated a compensation program, reimbursing farmers for 90% of the lost milk production from affected cows. This measure aims to encourage prompt testing and reporting of infections by farmers.
The USDA has listed two positive herds in Oklahoma on its website. Benson clarified that the positive sample came from one dairy operation with two separate barns. He added that the USDA likely received the samples in early July, and the herd has since recovered, with no new infections reported.
In response to the outbreak, Oklahoma has distributed protective gear to dairy farmers and urged enhanced biosecurity measures at dairies, though the state does not require mandatory testing of cows, according to Rod Hall, the state veterinarian.
Meanwhile, neighboring Colorado has reported four confirmed cases of bird flu in poultry workers, with a fifth case under investigation, highlighting the continuing challenge posed by the virus.
