Avian Flu Spreads to Dairy Cows in Multiple U.S. States

Highly virulent bird flu detected in dairy cows in Texas and Kansas has spread to six states, with confirmed cases in Michigan and presumptive positive tests in Idaho, New Mexico, and Ohio. Evidence suggests cow-to-cow transmission, and federal officials are monitoring closely, advising good biosecurity practices and testing animals if they have to be moved. The virus strain found in Michigan is similar to the one in Texas and Kansas, possibly introduced by wild birds. While the risk to the public remains low, infected animals are causing decreased milk production and other symptoms, leading some producers to send affected cows to slaughter. The commercial milk supply remains safe due to pasteurization, but consumers are cautioned against raw or unpasteurized milk.