Bird Flu Spreads to Dairy Cows – The New York Times
“Revealing the Hidden Impact: Bird Flu Outbreak Among Dairy Cows Sparks Concerns”
The article discusses the recent bird flu outbreak on dairy farms and criticizes the federal response. Initially downplayed as limited, the severity is now questioned due to asymptomatic cows in North Carolina. The Department of Agriculture’s reassurances about the outbreak’s minimal impact on food and milk supply are challenged as evidence suggests the virus is spreading among cows and from cows to poultry. Notably, infections in a symptomless cattle herd in North Carolina raise concerns about broader dissemination. Criticism is directed at the USDA’s testing protocol, which only reimbursed farmers for visibly ill cows, potentially underestimating the extent of the outbreak. However, the USDA has announced plans to reimburse farms for testing asymptomatic cows. This highlights the evolving nature of the outbreak and the need for proactive measures to mitigate its impact on both animal and public health.
#BirdFluOutbreak #DairyFarms #PublicHealth #USDAResponse #AnimalHealth