Oklahoma becomes 13th U.S. state to detect bird flu in dairy cattle
Oklahoma has become the 13th U.S. state to detect bird flu in a herd of dairy cattle, according to the state's agriculture department. The positive sample of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was collected in April and recently submitted for testing. The herd has fully recovered and no other cases have been reported. The commercial milk supply remains safe due to federal animal health requirements and pasteurization. Other states that have reported infected herds include Wyoming, Iowa, Minnesota, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas. U.S. dairy farmers are taking measures to contain the spread of bird flu, such as banning visitors, disinfecting vehicles, and implementing biosecurity practices. Oklahoma State Veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall has urged dairy farmers to heighten their biosecurity practices and has made personal protective equipment available to them.
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