Milk from dairy cows in Texas and Kansas has been discovered to contain bird flu, stirring concerns among U.S. officials.
Mike Stobbe and Jonel Aleccia report for the Associated Press.
In short:
- The flu identified in the cows is the Type A H5N1 strain, affecting their lactation and appetite but posing low risk to human health.
- This marks the first time bird flu, known to impact birds and occasionally humans, has been found in US livestock.
- Despite the findings, the commercial milk supply remains safe, with stringent measures in place to prevent sick milk from entering the food chain.
Key quote:
"At this stage, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health."
— The U.S. Department of Agriculture
Why this matters:
Influenza viruses are known for their ability to occasionally jump across species barriers. This can happen in areas where animals are in close contact, such as farms or live animal markets. When a virus crosses species, it can sometimes mutate its genetic material with other viruses, potentially leading to new strains that could infect other species, including humans.
Robyn Alders and Richard Kock ask if it’s time to rethink our food system and acknowledge our responsibilities to renewal of resources and the rights of existence for all life forms on Earth.
