H5N1 bird flu cases are surging in California’s Central Valley dairy farms, with cattle death rates soaring from 10% to 15%. Experts urge immediate attention to this crisis.
California Dairy Farms
A grave concern of the disease bird flu surges at dairy farms in California, particularly in the central valley. The H5N1 bird flu, it’s said, attacks cows. Veterinary experts also said that the number of deaths among the cattle is much higher than expected. When they first found out, it was reported to be less than 2% of the affected cows that are about to die. The early reports are already indicating that 10% to 15% of the cows die.
Maxwell Beal, of Central Valley, veterinarian, has been treating infected herds since late August. He was taken aback by how serious the illness was. “It’s much worse than we expected,” he said. The situation has raised alarm both amongst the farmers and veterinarians.
To date, California has experienced outbreaks on 56 of its dairy farms. Health department officials suspect that two workers at dairy farms in Tulare County may have contracted the H5N1 strain of the virus. Tulare County is a leading producer of dairy products in the U.S., hosting over 600,000 dairy cows that constitute about 30% of California’s milk supply.
Presentation Insights
A webinar was held for dairy farmers on September 26. Beal joined fellow veterinarians in discussing the situation, findings, and treatment of the virus. They emphasized the seriousness of the disease by likening the sick cows to human beings afflicted with the flu: “They don’t look so hot,” Beal said.
Effect of Heat
This could worsen the scenario, especially considering the heat waves recently experienced in California where temperature levels exceed 100 degrees. According to Beal, heat stress does affect the dairy cows, and in this respect, it can bring about more serious illness when accompanied by the virus. The dairy cow’s immune system remains weakened through the stress, and subsequently, the dairy cows become vulnerable to other illnesses, such as bacterial pneumonia.
While most of the deaths are not directly attributed to the virus, the weakened health of the cows leads to other complications that end up causing death. Cows, when ill, do not eat, which proves to be detrimental to their digestive systems, leading to an increase in fatalities in the end.
Duration and Intensity of Disease
Early reports had described the virus as having a cause for mild symptoms that last only for a week or two, but in some cows they were showing symptoms for several weeks. In a few cases, cows were not displaying any signs of illness for 14 days before finally showing them. The disease is worse than previously reported, with more of herds affected in full than that had been previously reported. Some farm has had up to 50% to 60% of their cows sick.
The experts say that the real infection rate might even be higher than the reported rate. According to retired veterinarian John Korslund, many herds have not been tested in a way to determine their real infection rates.
Recovery Challenges
Most of the cattle that have survived have not returned to a production level of any consequence. Beal said that this is because the cattle only produce around 60%-70% of the amount they used to. Some others, Beal said, will have to be culled since they can never recover.
Beal’s experiences have made the veterinarians rethink about this virus. He wants to get critical attention from farmers as this directly impacts the health of animals. He works with the farmers to ensure that their cattle are hydrated and properly cared for.
He had warned as a virologist, the virus spread fast and was changing, thus escalating the case, and more stringent actions to control its spread and prevent another outbreak.
Public Health Safety
Officials want to assure the public that milk supply in the country is safe. Officials declare that the virus will be killed as the milk is pasteurized, that is, heated process of treatment. However, they recommend avoiding raw milk because of the risk of being unhygienic.
Signs of Infection
Beal noted that infection indications in farms are dead barn cats that fed on raw milk from infected cows. This deplorable case has been witnessed in various farms.
Reinfection Concern
There are claims that some may be contracting a re-infection once they have recovered, and this still needs confirmation. Kay Russo is a dairy veterinarian, which said this may be because of the fast mutation of the virus, but to date, no concrete evidence can prove this theory.
Status Today
The number of confirmed herds infected has risen to 56, mainly in Tulare and Fresno counties. For security purposes, officials have not disclosed the location of infected herds. H5N1 has also been detected in wastewater samples from other locations, such as San Francisco and areas in the Bay Area.
FAQs
1. What is H5N1?
H5N1 is a type of bird flu virus that can also affect mammals, mainly cattle.
2. How does H5N1 impact cows?
It causes fatal illness and raises the mortality rate of infected cows.
3. Is the milk safe?
Yes, pasteurization kills the virus or it means the milk will be harmless, though it is advisable to be on raw milk.
4. What is the procedure that farmers should embark on if they suspect infection in the herds?
Farmers should go see a vet for guidance and keep the cows under close observation for symptoms.
5. Can cows be recovered from H5N1?
Some cows will recover, but most return to less than 100% milk production.
Conclusion
The severity and killing of the cow by bird flu outbreak at dairy farms in California has made people anxious about tainted milk intake, thereby raising anxiety about dairy farm production. Veterinarians are strongly fighting the epidemic, while authorities work on how to ensure public safety. On both sides, it will be important to closely monitor the herds and for people to remain abreast of the situation. Perhaps one of the most significant aspects in which awareness of animal health and public health can be made to shine through could not be more differentiated than during this present, yet still protracted outbreak.
