The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will now pay dairy farms with confirmed avian influenza infections to help contain the virus’ spread. Federal funding covers enhanced biosecurity measures, protective equipment, heat treatments for tainted milk, and veterinary fees. These precautions are optional.
The virus was first identified at a Texas farm in March and has since spread to 41 farms across nine states. Wild birds are believed to be the initial source, but cow-to-cow transmission is evident. A Texas dairy farm worker was also infected but recovered.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza spreads quickly in poultry and can be deadly. While sick cows typically recover in 10 to 14 days, they shed large amounts of the virus in their milk. In April, the USDA prohibited the transport of most lactating dairy cattle across state lines unless tested negative.
The virus has been found in dairy farms in Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, and South Dakota. The new federal funding includes:
• Up to $2,000 per month per site for protective equipment and uniform laundering.
• Up to $8,000 per producer for heat treatment of infected milk.
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