-- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. This coverage is made possible through a partnership between IPR and Grist , a nonprofit environmental media organization. Earlier this month, Laurie Stanek shoveled hay to a group of young black-and-white Holstein cows, just a few among the roughly 200 cattle on her family dairy farm.
Located in northern Michigan's Antrim County, she has worked there for almost 50 years now. The farm day starts early. "We're out here at 5 o'clock every morning to get started feeding the babies," she said.
But there are some additional chores for farmers in Michigan, now that avian influenza, or bird flu, has made the jump to cattle. New state requirements include limiting the number of visitors and increasing disinfection practices like cleaning boots and vehicles. Michigan also has prohibited poultry or lactating cows from being shown at events like fairs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has required that lactating cows moving across state lines receive a negative test result on bird flu.
"We are conscious that the threat is there, and we wouldn't let just anybody come in," Stanek said, referring to the state requirement to limit visitors. With outbreaks of bird flu in dairy cattle across the country, health officials are emphasizing biosecurity — that is, efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of disease. Researchers .
