Avian influenza

Dairy cattle infected with the H5n1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza. We have been confronted with a novel circumstance with the H5n1 virus and dairy cattle, which has impacted and affected animal health, intersects with our food supply and involves the health and well-being of our farmers, their families and farm workers, as well as public health. That has prompted Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at USDA to take preventative steps against this potential threat. The past few weeks have kept federal agencies involved in monitoring and prevention of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu busy). But what makes this outbreak different is the cases of the H5n1 virus have been found not in birds but in dairy cattle. Over 30 cases in eight states by the time in late April that Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack talked about the situation. Over the course of the last several weeks, we have been engaged in a coordinated and collaborative effort with sister agencies in the federal government. We've also been coordinating with state and local officials in terms of animal health, agricultural officials, as well as public health officials. Our testing to date shows pasteurization kills virus in milk. CDC continues to monitor, but has seen no increase in foodborne illnesses. The dairy cows that have gotten sick are recovering. We will do additional testing and precautions for animals in interstate commerce. There will likely be increased testing and surveillance as this situation evolves over time.