Researchers finding bird flu in dairy products

LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The World Health Organization is urging all countries to keep an eye out on for the bird flu.

U.S officials are ramping up testing for the virus on domestic cattle after it was reportedly detected in dairy cattle in eight states back in March.

The state of Texas made that list.

Though Oklahoma was not included, state cattle farmers are still being proactive to protect their herds.

Bird flu, also known as ‘Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza’ is a contagious and harmful virus. It primarily spreads among birds, and is caused by infection with Influenza A viruses.

These viruses also spread among wild aquatic birds, but can infect domestic poultry and animals like cows.

”That same virus was found to be infecting some cattle and causing some mild illnesses in cattle. It’s not deadly in cattle like it is in poultry,” said Rod Hall, State Veterinarian for the ODAFF.

If a farmer notices their cattle giving off less milk, or not producing at all, they could possibly be infected with the bird flu.

”The pasteurization process inactivates or kills that virus,” Hall said. “Even if there was some virus in a carton of milk that we go to the store and buy.. since it’s been pasteurized, it isn’t activated, and totally safe to consume for human consumption.”

The World Health Organization advises people to only consume pasteurized milk, because the bacteria and viruses in it have already been killed.

The organization adds people should avoid consuming raw milk, especially while officials closely observe the bird flu.

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