US tests for bird flu in California dairy cattle

Aug 30, 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is testing to confirm possible cases of bird flu in dairy cattle in California, the nation's biggest milk-producing state, USDA said on Friday.

California said on Thursday it was investigating potential cases at three dairies in the Central Valley region.

The cases, if confirmed, would make California the 14th state to detect the H5N1 virus in dairy cows since March. More than 190 herds have been infected nationally, along with 13 dairy and poultry farm workers, according to federal data.

The virus's jump to cows from birds has heightened concerns that it could adapt to spread among humans. Federal officials say bird flu is a low risk for the general public and that pasteurization inactivates the virus in milk.
USDA said it is in close contact with the California Department of Food and Agriculture as part of efforts to contain the virus.

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Video: Sow Welfare and Group Housing Systems - Dr. Laya Alves

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Laya Alves from the University of São Paulo, in Brazil, discusses how animal welfare regulations are evolving globally and their impact on pig production systems. She explains challenges in group housing, pain management, and euthanasia decisions, while highlighting the role of training and management in improving outcomes and economic sustainability. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Translating welfare requirements into daily farm routines without compromising economic sustainability remains one of the biggest challenges faced by producers globally today."

Meet the guest: Dr. Laya Alves / laya-kannan is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, focusing on animal welfare in pig production, including pain management, euthanasia, and economic decision making. Her work integrates welfare science with practical farm management and sustainability. She collaborates globally to develop applied tools for producers.