The presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza — generally often called HPAI — has been confirmed in a Michigan dairy herd that just lately obtained cows from Texas, in response to a statement Friday from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The virus pressure present in Michigan is just like a pressure confirmed in Texas and Kansas that seems to have been launched by wild birds, the USDA assertion mentioned.

“Spread of symptoms among the Michigan herd also indicates that HPAI transmission between cattle cannot be ruled out,” in response to the USDA assertion.

Initial testing has not recognized adjustments to the virus that may make it extra transmissible to people, in response to the USDA.

“While cases among humans in direct contact with infected animals are possible, this indicates that the current risk to the public remains low,” the company assertion mentioned.

Idaho officers introduced Thursday that avian flu was detected at a dairy cattle farm in Cassia County after the power just lately imported livestock from one other state that had recognized HPAI in cows. It didn’t present particulars.

But in an interview, state veterinarian Scott Leibsle mentioned avian flu was detected within the Idaho cattle after the farm imported cows from a Texas herd that had proven signs of HPAI.

“Cow-to-cow transmission is definitely playing a role in how this disease progresses. To what extent, we don’t know yet,” Leibsle mentioned. It’s clear that contaminated wild birds unfold the illness to herds in Texas and Kansas, he mentioned. “But the herd of cattle that came up from Texas to Idaho, the birds didn’t follow,” the state veterinarian mentioned.

Federal officers are monitoring intently and have suggested veterinarians and producers to follow good biosecurity, take a look at animals in the event that they should be moved, decrease animal actions and isolate sick cattle from the herd.

The USDA, Food and Drug Administration, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating the sickness amongst dairy cows, which is inflicting decreased milk manufacturing, low urge for food and different signs.

Federal officers are additionally working with state and native public well being officers to observe for indicators of illnesses amongst folks on the services the place chook flu was detected.

Most contaminated animals have recovered after isolation, and few cattle deaths have been reported, the USDA mentioned.

Idaho’s Leibsle mentioned “not all dairy producers will want to wait one two three weeks” for dairy cows to get better. Some producers might resolve to ship the animals to slaughter as beef animals, he mentioned. All these cattle will bear the identical rigorous meals security protocols.

The USDA assertion mentioned there continues to be “no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply because products are pasteurized before entering the market, or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health.”

Dairies are required to ship milk solely from wholesome animals into processing for human consumption. Milk from contaminated animals is being diverted or destroyed in order that it doesn’t enter the human meals provide, USDA mentioned.

In addition, pasteurization, which is required for milk coming into interstate commerce for human consumption, inactivates micro organism and viruses, together with influenza, in milk.

Officials have lengthy cautioned customers to keep away from uncooked or unpasteurized milk. FDA’s long-standing place is that unpasteurized milk can harbor harmful microorganisms posing severe well being dangers to customers.

Because of the restricted info obtainable concerning the transmission of HPAI in uncooked milk, the FDA recommends that the dairy trade not manufacture or promote uncooked milk or unpasteurized cheese merchandise made with milk from cows exhibiting signs of sickness, together with these contaminated with avian influenza or herds uncovered to cows contaminated with the virus.