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First Bird Flu Outbreak in U.S. Cattle Confirmed

Dairy farms in Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico affected, but public health risk remains low due to pasteurization.

Overview

  • The first confirmed outbreak of bird flu in cattle has occurred in the United States, affecting dairy farms in Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico.
  • No cows have died from the virus, but infected herds have experienced a significant drop in milk production.
  • Pasteurization has been emphasized as a critical measure to ensure the safety of the milk supply, with no risk to public health.
  • Scientists are investigating the source of the virus and its ability to jump to cows, with genome sequencing underway.
  • The USDA and other health agencies are closely monitoring the situation and have assured there will be no supply shortages.