Bird Flu Spreading to Dairy Cows Across the U.S.: Implications for Milk Supply

The bird flu has spread to dairy cattle in the U.S. for the first time, impacting cows in several states and leading to decreased milk production. Government agencies confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows from Kansas and Texas, with additional presumptive positive test results in other states. While the milk loss is currently limited and not expected to significantly impact supply or prices, affected animals are being isolated and their milk diverted or destroyed to prevent it from entering the human food supply. Health officials have stated that the risk of bird flu transmission to humans remains low, and testing is ongoing to better understand the situation.