Tests have not revealed any alterations to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans and the risk to the public “remains minimal,” according to Texas agricultural authorities.
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A “unprecedented fact” in the country, according to authorities. Cows on dairy farms in the US states of Texas and Kansas have tested positive for a contagious strain of avian flu, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Texas agricultural authorities said on Wednesday (March 27).
Positive samples were taken from unpasteurized milk collected from two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas, confirmed by testing on March 25, Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner, announced in a statement. The official added that highly pathogenic avian influenza had not been detected in any beef cattle, but called on all farmers to implement “enhanced biosecurity measures on their farms and ranches to protect their herds”.
No transmission to humans
Tests did not reveal any alterations to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans and the risk to the public “remains minimal”specifies Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). “Additional efforts to continue epidemiological investigations are underway to ensure that a complete picture of the situation can be assessed”according to the same source.
“While troubling, this outbreak should not threaten our nation’s commercial dairy supply.”added Sid Miller. “TDA and other national and state agencies work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our food supply.”, assured the Commissioner for Agriculture. The TDA said it was working with the U.S. Drug Administration and other agencies to evaluate symptoms in mostly older dairy cows in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico.
