BENSON COUNTY, Minn. — Lab tests have confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in a dairy herd in Benson County, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health said. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, HPAI or H5N1, is a highly contagious virus that is transmitted from wild birds to domestic poultry and other animals.
According to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, a producer noticed signs of illness in only a few cows over the weekend. The next day, however, the producer reported that over 40 cows had contracted a fever. Samples were collected from sick cows and sent to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory where the test results came back positive.
The following day, the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories also confirmed the test results. Neither the Board of Animal Health or the USDA has confirmed that the positive test results mean all 40 cows who showed signs of illness had contracted HPAI. "We knew it was only a matter of time before this detection would reach our doorstep," said State Veterinarian Dr.
Brian Hoefs. "It's important for dairy farmers to follow the example of this herd and test sick cows. The more the animal health community can learn about this virus today through testing and research, the better we can equip ourselves to prevent infections tomorrow.
" According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pasteurized dairy products remain safe to consume. MORE NEWS: Western Minnesota goat .
