Bird Flu Outbreak in U.S. Dairy Herds

SOURCE www.yahoo.com
Bird flu has infected a dairy herd in Ohio for the first time and has been detected in additional herds in Kansas and New Mexico, raising concerns about possible risks to humans. The outbreak has spread to multiple states with cases possibly introduced by wild birds.

Key Points

  • Bird flu detected in dairy herds in Ohio, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, Michigan, and Idaho
  • Initial cases in Texas and Kansas believed to be introduced by wild birds
  • Transmission between cows not ruled out by USDA
  • Migratory birds have been spreading avian flu globally since 2022

Pros

  • USDA actively monitoring and confirming infections in dairy herds
  • Awareness raised about the risks of bird flu transmission to humans
  • Genetic sequencing data helping to trace origins of the outbreak

Cons

  • Concerns about potential spread of bird flu to more species
  • Possible risks to human health if transmission occurs