US undercounts bird flu in cattle as farmers shun testing
WASHINGTON/CHICAGO – The US bird-flu outbreak in dairy cattle is much larger than official figures suggest due to farmers’ reluctance to test their animals, with Reuters interviews revealing concerns of economic consequences. A jump from birds to cows has raised worries that the virus could adapt to spread among humans. With limited surveillance, the ability to respond to further human spread may be weakened.
Thirteen dairy and poultry farm workers have already been infected with bird flu this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Experts indicate that the current USDA count of about 190 dairy herds infected in 13 states since March likely underrepresents the true figure as farmers fear the economic hardships of a positive test. The virus causes reduced milk production in cattle, impacting the country’s status as the world’s second-largest cheese producer.
While USDA has encouraged testing, farmers remain hesitant due to doubts about the seriousness of the virus or the perceived lack of adequate government incentives. An educator at Michigan State University noted that Michigan’s count of 27 positive herds is below the actual infection tally, while Colorado’s 63 positive herds are also likely undercounts.
Collaborative efforts in some states such as Michigan and Colorado have been more aggressive in containing the spread, with Colorado becoming the sole state to mandate weekly testing of milk supplies from dairy farms. These proactive measures have identified previously undetected infected herds.
Despite the risks of untracked outbreaks and concerns about distrust among farmers, the necessity for accurate and comprehensive testing remains crucial in safeguarding public health. With various states facing different challenges, a unified approach is essential to combat the spread of bird flu in cattle effectively.
