On Monday, Bluestem reported Not an April Fools' Day joke: Person in contact with HPAI infected cows in Texas catches bird flu.
That followed articles in March about the jump of the disease to goats, then dairy cattle
I was able to learn more today when Dr. Brian Hoefs, Minnesota's state veterinarian, testified about HPAI in dairy cattle to the Minnesota House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee meeting. Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen also testified following Hoefs' appearance.
At the Star Tribune, ag reporter Christopher Vondracek looked at the evolving situation in Minnesota livestock growers on high alert as bird flu has jumped to cattle in three other states:
The devastating avian virus has already infected baby goats in Stevens County. Now Minnesota ag officials brace for what feels like the inevitable.
Bird flu has jumped to cattle for the first time in the United States and recently infected a dairy worker in Texas.
Agriculture officials in Minnesota are watching closely for infections in the state's cattle herds and dairies, while public health officials continue to say the risk to humans remains low and pasteurized milk remains safe.
"I'd be surprised if it isn't here already here [in cattle]," said Dr. Joe Armstrong, a University of Minnesota Extension livestock educator.
The ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak began in 2022 has resulted in the mass culling of turkeys and chickens across the state whenever an infection is found. Although evidence suggests the fast-spreading disease is not lethal in cattle, Armstrong said Tuesday federal and state officials are working with farmers and veterinarians to keep animals safe.
So far there are no reports of HPAI in cattle in Minnesota. Last week, dairy cows and their milk in Texas and Kansas tested positive for the virus. By Friday, a dairy herd in Michigan that had received cows from Texas also had sick cattle.
Last month, Minnesota officials reported the nation's first positive bird flu infection of a ruminant. A litter of Stevens County goat kids shared water with infected poultry and later several tested positive for the virus.
Animal health officials say livestock owners should be on the watch for symptoms. Dr. Brian Hoefs, Minnesota's state veterinarian, told the state's House agriculture committee Tuesday the infected Texas cattle ate less feed, showed respiratory stress and had dark, tacky manure. Evidence of HPAI was found in tests of raw milk
"It's basically the same virus that's been circulating since 2022," Dr. Hoefs said. One distinct difference from birds, however: all the sick cows recovered.. . . .
So far, the species jump hasn't proved as deadly to dairy cows and humans as it has for poultry and kid goats. Learn more by reading the rest of Minnesota livestock growers on high alert as bird flu has jumped to cattle in three other states.
At the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) Lisa Schnirring reports in Tests confirm avian flu on New Mexico dairy farm; probe finds cats positive:
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service yesterday announced that tests have now confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a New Mexico dairy herd and that the virus has now been confirmed in five more Texas dairy herds.
Part of quickly evolving developments, the announcement came shortly after Texas health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the first human case, which involves a person from Texas who had contact with dairy cattle, highlighting the risk to farm workers.
And in another development, Texas officials yesterday said that cats showing illness signs in the dairy farm settings were also positive for the virus.
So far, the virus has now been confirmed on seven Texas farms, along with two in Kansas, and one each from New Mexico and Michigan. The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, is working to confirm a presumptive positive from a dairy herd in Idaho.
Cats tested positive in Texas farm sampling
Following yesterday's announcement of the first human H5N1 infection linked to dairy cow exposure, the Texas Department of State Health Services issued a health alert that urged health providers to be vigilant for people with symptoms from H5N1, especially those who have had contact with potentially infected animals.
It also noted that in March, investigators collected samples from several animals in Texas and Kansas. Wild birds, cats, and dairy cows were tested because they showed illness signs. "Further testing of these samples indicated the presence of avian influenza A(H5N1)," the TDSHS said. A press officer from the TDSHS confirmed in an e-mail that sick cats tested positive for the virus.
The Texas Animal Health Commission said in an e-mail that it has received lab confirmation of HPAI for three cats.
Wild birds on affected farms had earlier tested positive for H5N1, and evidence is growing that the virus may be spreading cow to cow. Investigations are still underway to sort out how the virus is spreading on farms, which includes identifying the extent of virus circulation in other animals or wildlife.
Cats are among the mammals previously known be contract H5N1, with infections reported in the United States, Poland, and South Korea. . . .
I'm glad my cats are indoor dwellers. Schnirring continues:
Who's most at risk on dairy farms?
Federal health officials have said the avian flu outbreaks in dairy herds and the new infection in Texas doesn't change its threat assessment, which is low for the public. They have also emphasized the safety of the nation's milk supply due to safety nets including pasteurization, while warning against drinking raw milk that can harbor pathogens.
In the latest Moos Room podcast, Joe Armstrong, DVM, a cattle production expert with the University of Minnesota, urged dairy farm operators at farms where the virus is confirmed or suspected to focus on those at greatest risk, especially if personal protective equipment is limited. The Moos Room podcast is part of University of Minnesota Extension outreach.
He said the most at-risk groups are anyone who works with raw milk, including those in milking parlors, employees who work with calves, and people who work with bulk tanks. He also said those with immunocompromised conditions, such as pregnancy, are at greater risk.
Armstrong also urged dairy operators to ensure that workers, including those from other countries who don't speak English as their first language, know the illness symptoms to report. "They may or may not be willing to seek medical help when they need it."
"If you are out there and you have employees who fit that description, you need to be advocating for them and watching out for them," Armstrong said. "Check in with them, make sure everything's OK. Make sure they understand what's happening." . . .
Bluestem will keep an eye on this evolving story.
Photo: A barn cat, from CIDRAP's Tests confirm avian flu on New Mexico dairy farm; probe finds cats positive,
Related articles
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