Avian flu cattle outbreak spreads to tenth US state
Cattle in two dairy herds in Iowa have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), making it the tenth state in the USA to be affected by the ongoing outbreak.
Since March 2024, more than 80 herds across the USA have been affected by the virus and three dairy workers have tested positive. Authorities have introduced measures to limit the spread of the virus and farmers have been urged to strengthen their biosecurity protocols.
Mike Naig, Iowa secretary of agriculture, said: “Given the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza within dairy cattle in many other states, it is not a surprise that we would have a case given the size of our dairy industry in Iowa.
“While lactating dairy cattle appear to recover with supportive care, we know this destructive virus continues to be deadly for poultry.”
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