Bird flu has been detected in cows at three dairy farms in California, the largest milk-producing state in the U.S., marking the virus’s spread to its 14th state.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture announced on Friday that the infections occurred in the Central Valley region, with cows displaying symptoms starting August 25. The outbreak now includes over 190 infected herds and 13 affected workers nationwide.
Federal officials have downplayed the risk to the general public, stating that pasteurization inactivates the virus in milk, and no human cases have been reported in California. The infected dairies have been quarantined, and affected cows are isolated and treated, while healthy cows continue to ship milk for pasteurization. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is conducting tests to confirm the cases and working closely with California officials to contain the outbreak.
Karen Ross, California’s agriculture secretary, acknowledged the significant impact on dairy farmers, who are already facing economic challenges. The state is treating the situation with “utmost urgency.”
