On Monday, March 25, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the virus is the Type A H5N1 strain in Texas, New Mexico, and Kansas. In a press release, the USDA provided details about the virus and the safety of milk.
Two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas tested clinical samples of sick cows and an oropharyngeal swab from another cow in Texas showed a positive test for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). On Friday, March 22, farms reported deceased wild birds on the properties.
Infected cattle were found in the Texas panhandle according to NBC Dallas.
No threat in milk
In initial tests by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, they found no change in the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans. The current risk is low.
The USDA press release stated:
“At this stage, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health. Dairies are required to send only milk from healthy animals into processing for human consumption; milk from impacted animals is being diverted or destroyed so that it does not enter the food supply.”
“In addition, pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Pasteurization is required for any milk entering interstate commerce.”
American Veterinary Medical Association President Dr. Rena Carlson said according to USA Today:
"The first detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas underscores the importance of adherence to biosecurity measures, vigilance in monitoring for disease, and immediately involving your veterinarian when something seems ‘off’."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provided their input.
Minnesota reported a bird flu virus about a week prior to this according to Phys.org.
You can hear more about the bird flu in this video:
Signs of the bird flu
USA Today reported these are signs to look out for of the bird flu:
- Loss of appetite, lethargy
- Sudden death without prior symptoms
- Eyelid swelling
- Twisting of the head and neck
- Purple discoloration to body parts including legs