USDA Confirms Cow-to-Cow Transmission as Contributing Factor in Bird Flu Spread
Source: The DairyNews
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that cow-to-cow transmission plays a role in the spread of bird flu within dairy herds, shedding light on a critical aspect of the outbreak.
Despite this confirmation, the USDA acknowledges a lingering uncertainty regarding the exact mechanisms facilitating the virus's movement.
Farmers and veterinarians have eagerly awaited clarification on transmission dynamics to implement more effective control measures. Recent testing has revealed bird flu infections in dairy herds across eight states, along with one case involving a dairy worker in Texas.
Jim Lowe, an associate dean at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, commented on the findings, noting the consensus among experts regarding cow-to-cow transmission. While wild migratory birds are believed to be the primary source of the virus, the USDA's investigation has uncovered instances where cattle movements between herds contributed to its spread. Additionally, there are indications that the virus may have circulated fr om dairy cattle premises back into nearby poultry facilities through unidentified pathways.
The USDA emphasizes that cows can shed the virus in milk at high concentrations, posing a risk of disease transmission through contact with unpasteurized milk. However, respiratory transmission is not considered a primary mode of spread among cattle.
Despite the ongoing uncertainties, the USDA has refrained from imposing quarantines on infected dairy farms akin to those imposed on poultry farms. Infected cattle tend to recover, unlike poultry, wh ere bird flu often proves fatal.
Moving forward, the USDA advocates for minimizing cattle movement and implementing stringent testing protocols for shipped animals, coupled with enhanced safety and sanitation measures on farms. These measures are expected to mitigate the need for regulatory restrictions.
Recent data suggests that bird flu affects not only older cows but also younger cattle, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and proactive management strategies to combat the outbreak.
Farmers and veterinarians have eagerly awaited clarification on transmission dynamics to implement more effective control measures. Recent testing has revealed bird flu infections in dairy herds across eight states, along with one case involving a dairy worker in Texas.
Jim Lowe, an associate dean at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, commented on the findings, noting the consensus among experts regarding cow-to-cow transmission. While wild migratory birds are believed to be the primary source of the virus, the USDA's investigation has uncovered instances where cattle movements between herds contributed to its spread. Additionally, there are indications that the virus may have circulated fr om dairy cattle premises back into nearby poultry facilities through unidentified pathways.
The USDA emphasizes that cows can shed the virus in milk at high concentrations, posing a risk of disease transmission through contact with unpasteurized milk. However, respiratory transmission is not considered a primary mode of spread among cattle.
Despite the ongoing uncertainties, the USDA has refrained from imposing quarantines on infected dairy farms akin to those imposed on poultry farms. Infected cattle tend to recover, unlike poultry, wh ere bird flu often proves fatal.
Moving forward, the USDA advocates for minimizing cattle movement and implementing stringent testing protocols for shipped animals, coupled with enhanced safety and sanitation measures on farms. These measures are expected to mitigate the need for regulatory restrictions.
Recent data suggests that bird flu affects not only older cows but also younger cattle, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and proactive management strategies to combat the outbreak.
