Clinical samples of milk from sick calves from two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas proved positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, according to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
Indiana’s state veterinarian, Dr. Bret Marsh, told Hoosier Ag Today that he conferred with his Texas counterpart to have a better understanding of the symptoms displayed by these cattle.
“They have seen a decline in feed intake, which is followed by a decline in milk yield. And the afflicted cows—who appear to be mid- and late-lactation cattle in particular—were yielding milk that was more colostrum-like. Indiana producers should definitely contact their veterinarians to have an assessment of the herd performed if they observe clinical symptoms that align with the information I have just provided.
Marsh reaffirmed that Indiana has not seen any cases of avian flu in cattle, but it’s crucial to remember that these cases seem to have been brought in by wild birds.
“I would urge our dairy producers in the state to look into ways to hasten the birds away if they have retention ponds or other areas where these birds might be gathering. In order to ensure that we are not spreading this virus, you should also examine their biosecurity procedures around the operations and ensure that all traffic entering and leaving the site is tracked and that the necessary biosecurity precautions are followed.
The National Veterinary Services Laboratories’ preliminary testing has not discovered any alterations to the virus that would increase its human transmissibility, suggesting that the public’s current risk is still low.
Additionally, Marsh clarified, “Because pasteurization is routinely used in milk products, the milk that is in the commercial milk supply is safe to consume.” “From the perspective of food safety and public health, there is no concern on the part of the public.”
The consumption of beef is comparable.