A Stearns County dairy herd has been confirmed to have H5N1 influenza, also known as bird flu. This marks the first detection since last summer and amid growing concerns about the virus spreading from poultry flocks to cows.
The 620-cow herd will be quarantined until they meet requirements proving they are no longer infected. State officials assure that there is no concern for the safety of the public milk supply, as all milk sold in stores is pasteurized to kill bacteria and viruses.
During quarantine, the farm can apply for movement permits for animals and products like waste milk and manure. Milk sold for pasteurization does not require a permit. The state is also testing raw milk samples from Minnesota’s 1,600 dairy farms on a monthly basis to detect bird flu.
Symptoms of bird flu in cows include fever, reduced milk production, loss of appetite, and changes in manure consistency. Dairy farms must already dispose of milk from sick animals. To exit quarantine, the farm must have three consecutive negative milk tests.
Regular testing will allow authorities to identify infected herds, prevent disease spread, and protect both animal and human health.
Source: https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/bird-flu-confirmed-in-stearns-county-dairy-herd-state-officials-announce