HPAI detected in Texas & Kansas dairy cattle
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) jointly reported the identification of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in laboratory samples taken from multiple affected cows in Texas and Kansas.
As of Monday, March 25th, unpasteurized clinical milk samples obtained from ailing cattle on two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas, as well as an oropharyngeal swab from another Texas-based dairy, have returned positive results for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Milk from affected animals is either being redirected or disposed of to prevent its entry into the food supply.
Cattle afflicted by HPAI typically display flu-like symptoms such as fever, and produce thick, discolored milk, along with a significant decrease in milk production.