01/10/2025
3 things you should know about H5N1- Avian flu and your dairy:
1) As of 1/6/2025, 917 dairy herds have been affected by H5N1, having outbreaks in 16 states (CDC, 2024). Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A- H5N1, also commonly known as “bird flu” or “avian flu”, has been found in infected cow’s lungs, muscles, udder tissue, and milk. There have been reports of humans getting sick from close contact with infected cows and their raw milk products. Infectious H5N1 has been found in unpasteurized milk/milk products from sick dairy cows; therefore, the FDA and USDA are recommending that people should not consume raw (unpasteurized) milk or raw milk products.
2) Data shows that pasteurization is effective in eliminating infectious H5N1 particles in milk, making pasteurized milk and milk products still safe to consume (CIDRAP, 2024) (FDA, 2024).
3) Beginning in February, bulk milk tank testing will be occurring on a monthly basis by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health to ensure that Minnesota’s commercial milk supply remains safe for consumers.
What symptoms should I watch for in my herd?
-Decreased milk production
-Production of thicker colostrum-like milk
-Reduced feed consumption
-Diarrhea
-Fever
-Dehydration
-Lethargy
If you find sick cows within your herd, please contact your local vet or the Minnesota Board of Animal Health at 651-296-2942.
What steps can I take to prevent the spread?
Center for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending personal protective equipment (PPE), such as N95 filtering facepiece respirator, face shield, eye protection, gloves, and thorough hand washing after contact, for those who work with any infected or potentially infected animals (CDC, 2024).
How will I know if I am infected?
While the risk to the public remains low, those who are frequently in contact with dairy herds should be aware of symptoms such as eye infection (pinkeye), cough, sore throat, fever, and pneumonia. If these symptoms do occur, please seek out medical attention or contact your trusted local public health department.
What’s next?
Mower County Public Health staff will continue to closely monitor the situation and will continue working with the Minnesota Department of Health to ensure that we have the most up-to-date information to keep our residents safe.
For more information:
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/hpai-interim-recommendations.html #:~:text=Personal%20protective%20equipment%20(PPE)%20should,HPAI%20A(H5N1)%20viruses.
MDH: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/flu/current/current.html
Do you have questions about avian flu?
Feel free to call Allison, Mower County’s Community Health Educator, at (507)-481-4863, she will be happy to speak with you!
