Report: Bird Flu Has Spread to Cattle

The avian-influenza outbreak is now sickening dairy cattle, temporarily curbing their milk production and prompting some states to increase restrictions on the livestock crossing state lines, reports The Wall Street Journal. It has not been confirmed whether beef cattle have been affected.

The USDA said that no infected dairy cows have died from the sickness, and so far, only older dairy cows have been infected, recovering after experiencing mild symptoms.

The concern for the disease spreading to more cattle has caused farmers to ramp up preventative measures on farms, including driving off wild birds known for spreading the disease, according to the report.

Lucas Sjostrom, a dairy farmer in Minnesota said he is underfilling raw milk containers when sending them to be pasteurized to prevent spills that can introduce potential viruses. He said he is also considering a laser system that would scare away wild birds, a tactic used by some poultry farmers.

“We just don’t know how to battle something so new,” said Sjostrom. “We’re still learning so much.”

On Monday, the CDC said that a person in Texas tested positive for bird flu after being exposed to likely infected dairy cattle. The virus has also been detected in other mammals including minks, seals, and goats. Full Story (Subscription Required)