No reports of cattle infected with avian flu in Alabama, PPE available for workers if needed
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Federal and state officials continue to monitor the path of avian flu
in 11 U.S. states. A list that does not include Alabama has reported dairy cattle affected with bird flu.
The Food and Drug Administration reports that last week nearly 300 tests of retail dairy products found no traces of a viable virus.
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The USDA has said pasteurization appears to be consistently effective against the virus in milk from infected cows. The USDA also said it is expanding testing of the milk supply at different points in the supply chain.
Alabama health and agriculture officials say they are monitoring the flu reports from around the country.
“I think it is very important that we acknowledge that there are no cases of avian influenza in cattle at this point in Alabama, that we know of,” said Dr. Dee Jones, veterinarian with the Alabama Department of Public Health. “And there are certainly no people. Even across the nation, 12 or 13 states impacted we’ve only had one positive person.
“So, I think what that indicates that this virus and everything we know about this virus at this point is that it is not likely to infect people. Now unfortunately it is a flu virus and flu viruses can reassort to become more infective to people.”
How fast is bird flu spreading in US cows? ‘We have no idea’
Jones said state health and agriculture officials have worked to ensure personal protective equipment, PPE, is available per the CDC’s recommendation for dairy farm producers in the event an avian flu case is identified. Dr. Jones stressed gathering PPE isn’t a prediction the virus is coming here through cattle, but it is a precaution.
U.S. health officials say they are still assessing how the virus transfers from cow to cow. Dr. Jones said backyard farmers need to continue to monitor the health of their chickens, consult with their veterinarian if they see a problem, and avoid their chickens’ eggs if the birds appear sick.
The USDA also advises against drinking raw milk. Alabama saw a couple of sizable bird flu outbreaks in poultry in late 2023, but no cases have been reported this year.
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