A sample of milk from a herd of dairy cows in Maricopa County, Arizona has tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza. The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) is working to contain the outbreak and has placed the facility under quarantine as a precaution.
No cows in the affected herd have shown signs of illness related to bird flu, but they will be isolated from each other if symptoms appear. This is the first detection of H5N1 in Arizona cows, according to AZDA.
The strain of bird flu detected does not have any additional features that would make it more likely to infect humans. Milk and dairy products that have been pasteurized are safe to consume, according to AZDA.
While the risk to the general public remains low, individuals who work closely with dairy cattle may be at increased risk due to contact with potentially affected animals. The health and safety of dairy workers is AZDA’s top priority.
Source: https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/milk-from-maricopa-county-dairy-cows-tested-positive-for-bird-flu