Bird Flu Outbreak Expands to California Dairy Farms, Affecting 14 States

Bird flu has spread to dairy cows in California, marking the outbreak’s expansion to a 14th state. The California Department of Food and Agriculture reported on Friday that cows at three dairy farms in the state’s Central Valley have tested positive for the H5N1 virus.

Since March, over 190 herds across the U.S. have been affected, along with 13 farm workers. Although the virus primarily spreads among birds, its presence in cows has raised concerns about potential human transmission, though federal officials maintain that the risk remains low. Pasteurization effectively neutralizes the virus in milk.

No human cases have been reported in California. The infected dairy herds began showing symptoms on August 25, and the state agriculture department has quarantined the affected farms. Infected cows are isolated and treated, while healthy cows are permitted to continue producing milk.

California’s agriculture secretary, Karen Ross, expressed concern over the impact on dairy farmers already facing economic difficulties. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is working with state officials to manage the situation and prevent further spread.