First case of bird flu detected in Minnesota dairy cows
Bird flu has infected a Benton County dairy herd, marking the first confirmed detection of the virus in cows in Minnesota.
Several dozen cows are sick. Farmers will destroy milk from the animals.
The cows will quarantine… pic.twitter.com/UQkHfEl1ZO
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) June 7, 2024
The first case of bird flu has been detected in a Benton County dairy herd in Minnesota. This marks the initial confirmed detection of the virus in cows within the state1. State Veterinarian Dr. Brian Hoefs emphasized that it was only a matter of time before such a case occurred. Dairy farmers are urged to follow the example of this herd and test sick cows, as understanding the virus through testing and research can better equip us to prevent infections in the future. While public risk from avian influenza is currently low, individuals who work directly with infected animals could be at risk of getting sick1.
Symptoms of avian influenza in people may include cough, sore throat, fever, red or watery eyes, or eye discharge. It’s worth noting that a dairy worker in Texas contracted bird flu earlier this year and recovered, while only one other person in the U.S. (a poultry worker in Colorado) is known to have caught the virus during the current outbreak that began two years ago1. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found inactive traces of the virus in the milk supply this spring, but pasteurized dairy products remain safe for consumption1.
Cows are able to survive the infection, unlike chickens and turkeys. If cows appear sick, dairy farmers are encouraged to contact their veterinarian. Symptoms include fever, lower milk production, loss of appetite, and changes in manure consistency1. The outbreak also highlights the importance of monitoring and preventing the spread of avian flu among livestock. Minnesota has experienced a resurgence in bird flu infections in poultry operations, resulting in significant losses since 20221.{% hint(Copilot_language=“English”) %} For more detailed information, you can refer to the original news articles: Phys.org, Twin Cities, and MPR News. {% endhint %}