Ohio Cows Infected with Bird Flu: What You Need to Know
Five cows in the United States have been affected by bird flu, leading to their deaths or slaughter, as reported by Reuters. Bird flu, also known as avian influenza or H5N1 virus, is caused by infection from influenza Type A viruses. This virus primarily spreads among wild aquatic birds but can also infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.
Amidst this outbreak, questions arise about the safety of beef and dairy products. Are they still safe to consume? Can humans contract bird flu from these products? Here’s what you should know.
In recent months, over 80 dairy cow herds across 10 states have reported cases of bird flu, with cows in Ohio, South Dakota, Michigan, Texas, and Colorado being affected. While most cows recover from the infection, some have succumbed to secondary infections. The USDA assures that the majority of cows affected have recovered well.
Concerns also extend to the safety of eggs and poultry prices, given the rising cases of bird flu. However, the USDA has not detected bird flu in store-bought meat. Additionally, all meat undergoes rigorous inspection processes to ensure consumer safety.
As for milk, both the FDA and USDA confirm that store-bought milk is safe to drink due to the pasteurization process. Samples collected have not shown the presence of live avian flu virus, and there have been minimal human cases reported.
In the event of cows being infected with bird flu, farmers separate them from the herd and may cull them if necessary. Symptoms in cattle include reduced milk production, digestive issues, fever, and diminished appetite. While human infections are rare, precautionary measures should be taken to avoid contact with infected animals or birds.
If you suspect you have been exposed to bird flu, watch out for symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. The CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine to reduce the risk of co-infection with seasonal and bird flu viruses.
Stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this outbreak.
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