Mysterious virus infecting dairy cows in Texas and Kansas!

March 27, 2024 Daita Dasgupta Health, US Local News, Viral Story, World 0

Mysterious virus infecting dairy cows in Texas and Kansas!

Dairy cows from the Texas Panhandle in New Mexico and Kansas have reportedly been affected by a highly contagious virus that seems to be spreading rapidly amongst the herd.

Sid Miller (Texas Agriculture Commissioner) confirmed that based on reports from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, the disease has been identified as avian influenza, also known as bird flu, belonging to the HPAI strain.

More details on the infected dairy cows

As per USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), unpasteurized milk samples were collected from the infected cattle in Kansas and Texas and sent for clinical testing. Also, reports have been made of dead birds being found on the farms. Based on the results, it seems that wild birds have introduced the virus.

See Also:  SNAP Texas Recertification: Renew Benefits by December End


Sid Miller said – “This presents yet another hurdle for our agriculture sector in the Texas Panhandle. Protecting Texas producers and the safety of our food supply chain is my top priority. The Texas Department of Agriculture will use every resource available to maintain the high standards of quality and safety that define Texas agriculture.”

Assuring the consumers, Miller further claimed – “There is no threat to the public, and there will be no supply shortages. No contaminated milk is known to have entered the food chain; it has all been dumped. In the rare event that some affected milk enters the food chain, the pasteurization process will kill the virus.”
Dairy cows that are down with the HPAI virus display flu-like symptoms with reduced milk production. Further, the milk produced is thick with a yellowish tinge to it.

See Also:  Iran sends 2nd monkey into space, it returns safely

Steps taken to tackle the virus

Dairy farmers are advised to consult with their veterinarian if they notice any symptoms of the HPAI virus such as fever, loss of appetite, milk discolouration and decreased milk production.

Miller stated – “Unlike affected poultry, I foresee there will be no need to depopulate dairy herds. Cattle are expected to recover fully. The Texas Department of Agriculture is committed to providing unwavering support to our dairy industry.”

Mysterious virus infecting dairy cows in Texas and Kansas!

The National Dairy FARM Program (NDFP) has also aided dairy farmers by providing them with proper biosecurity resources and tools to protect their cattle.

The disease has not been detected in beef cattle till now. Still, cattle producers are urged to enhance their biosecurity measures to keep them safe.

Related Stories:

H3N2: Sudden outbreak of the influenza virus puts medical professionals on high alert!What is Marburg virus? Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Kansas Governor Proposes Tax Rebates Up to $900Kansas Governor Proposes Tax Rebate Up to $900 The H3N2 virus is a subtype of influenza “A” virus and it’s currently creating a cause of concern over the globe. Influenza viruses have different categories, i.e. A, B and C, and among them A-type viruses have the most significant and dangerous diseases. In the year 1968, this virus caused a flu pandemic and the death count was above 1 million around the world. Along with humans, the type A virus can also impact other species like birds and animals. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 79% of the people suffering from influenza, have H3N2 disease. What are the Symptoms? The H3N2 virus has similar symptoms to any other flu. Cough, fever, body ache, headache, sore throat, runny nose, extreme fatigue. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Vulnerable groups and treatments According to the Indian Medical Association (IMA), this virus will have a serious impact on children below 15 and adults above 50 years. People having co-morbidities like asthma, diabetes and heart disease will have severe implications, and people with weakened immune systems and neurological disorders are also at high risk. There are several medications regarding this particular virus (Peramivir and baloxavir) but People are requested to consult the doctor if they have the above-mentioned symptoms and not to take any kind of medication without consulting the doctor also people are expected to wear a mask in public places. On the other hand, there were several meetings held regarding this virus by NITI Aayog and other health-related organizations. experts are claiming that the impact of this virus will get reduced as soon as the temperature will rise, so basically, at the end of march or in the initial week of April the impact of this virus is expected to reduce.What is the H3N2 virus? Cases rising across the world US Warns Against Travel to Africa as Marburg Virus Kills 9 and Sparks Fears of a PandemicUS Warns Against Travel to Africa as Marburg Virus Kills 9 and Sparks Fears of a Pandemic Covid Third waveChina Detects Langya Virus, 35 Infected: Patients Report Liver, Kidney Issues Mejores casinos de Baccarat en ColombiaKansas Attorney General OKs regulations on sports betting in state Stimulus August 2023: Pennsylvania Taxpayers to Receive $140 Million in Property Tax/Rent RebateAugust 2023 SNAP Benefits in Texas: Eligibility, Amount, and Schedule
About Daita Dasgupta 229 Articles
Daita Dasgupta is a graduate student pursuing a Master's degree in Media Science. She has over three years of experience working as a content writer for various platforms. Daita has a flair for writing engaging and creative content that resonates with audiences. Currently, she is interning as a content writer at Panasiabiz, where she is applying her writing skills and experience. When she's not writing, Daita enjoys reading fiction, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. She believes content writing allows her to be creative while also sharing valuable information with others. Daita is constantly working to improve her craft and produce the most insightful and impactful content possible.