What's happened
The FDA is investigating the spread of bird flu to dairy cows in Texas, Kansas, and Michigan, with confirmed cases in Texas and Kansas. The bird flu strain, H5N1, has been detected in older dairy cows, causing decreased lactation and appetite. Federal authorities assure the public that there is no concern about the safety of the milk supply, as pasteurization is required for milk entering interstate commerce.
Why it matters
The detection of bird flu in dairy cows raises concerns about the potential impact on the U.S. milk supply and public health. While federal authorities assure the safety of the milk supply, ongoing monitoring and containment efforts are crucial to prevent any further spread of the virus. The outbreak highlights the importance of stringent food safety measures and the need for continued vigilance in monitoring animal health to protect both livestock and consumers.
What the papers say
The FDA and USDA emphasize the safety of the U.S. milk supply despite the detection of bird flu in dairy cows. The USDA confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in cattle in Texas and Kansas, with measures in place to prevent contaminated milk from entering the food supply. Experts stress that the risk to the public is currently low, with no evidence of increased transmissibility to humans.
How we got here
The outbreak of bird flu in dairy cows is believed to have originated from wild migratory birds, marking the first known cases of the virus in U.S. livestock. The virus, H5N1, has caused significant mortality in bird populations globally and poses a potential threat to both animal and human health. The USDA and FDA are conducting investigations and implementing control measures to contain the spread of the virus and safeguard the U.S. milk supply.
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