An outbreak of avian flu has reached a Minnesota farm, affecting more than 40 cows and prompting quarantine measures.
Edward Helmore reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- The avian flu outbreak in the US has spread to Minnesota, with over 40 cows infected on a farm.
- The H5N1 virus has now been found in 80 dairy herds across 11 states since March, with three human cases reported.
- Health officials emphasize that the virus does not currently transmit between humans.
Key quote:
“It was only a matter of time before this detection would reach our doorstep.”
— Brian Hoefs, state veterinarian
Why this matters:
The spread of avian flu to cattle poses significant economic risks due to higher costs of raising cattle compared to poultry. The outbreak also raises concerns about potential zoonotic transmission to humans, requiring increased monitoring and preventative measures.
