A highly fatal form of avian influenza, or bird flu, has been confirmed in U.S. cattle in Texas and Kansas, the Department of Agriculture announced. The virus, known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), has been causing a mysterious illness in dairy cows located in the Texas Panhandle, New Mexico, and Kansas. The discovery of HPAI in dairy cows has left agriculture officials baffled, as they work to investigate the source and spread of the disease.
Sick Cows in Texas and Kansas Test Positive for Avian Flu
Following the confirmed discovery of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), investigations into the mysterious illnesses of these cows in Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico have intensified. Tests on unpasteurized milk and nasal swabs have been conducted in order to determine the cause of the illness and the extent of its spread. The confirmation of HPAI in cattle is significant, as bird flu has typically been associated with poultry species. This marks a concerning development as it shows the ability of the virus to infect and harm other animals as well.
Source: USDA
Milk from Dairy Cows in Texas and Kansas Tests Positive for Bird Flu
According to federal officials, milk from dairy cows in both Texas and Kansas has tested positive for bird flu, specifically HPAI. The presence of the virus in dairy cows raises concerns about the safety of products derived from these animals, including milk and dairy products. However, the USDA has stated that properly prepared beef is still considered safe to eat, as HPAI does not pose a food safety threat in cooked meat. Despite this reassurance, the discovery of bird flu in dairy cattle highlights the need for continued monitoring and preventive measures within the livestock industry to mitigate the spread of the virus.
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Source: Associated Press
Mystery Illness Impacting Dairy Cows Identified as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
The mystery illness that has been impacting dairy herds in the Texas Panhandle, New Mexico, and Kansas has finally been identified as Influenza A, specifically Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The confirmation by the USDA sheds light on the nature of the disease, which has caused concern among farmers and agriculture officials due to its highly fatal and contagious nature. Efforts are now underway to better understand how the virus is spreading, prevent further outbreaks, and protect the overall health and safety of the dairy cattle industry in these affected areas.
Source: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller
Summary:
The recent discovery of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows in Texas and Kansas has raised concerns about the transmission of avian flu to other animals. The mysterious illness that has been impacting dairy cows in the Texas Panhandle, New Mexico, and Kansas has now been identified as HPAI. This diagnosis has prompted efforts to investigate the source and spread of the disease, conduct tests on unpasteurized milk and nasal swabs, and ensure the safety of products derived from infected cows such as milk and dairy products. While properly prepared beef is considered safe to eat, measures are being taken to mitigate the spread of bird flu and protect the overall health of the livestock industry.
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