Minnesota reported its first HPAI outbreak in a dairy herd on Thursday, marking the state’s entry into the ongoing U.S. outbreak affecting dairy cattle.
According to Reuters, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health revealed that the farmer of the infected herd noticed symptoms in more than 40 cows.
The animals are recovering, according to state veterinarian Brian Hoefs. “We knew it was only a matter of time before this detection would reach our doorstep,” Hoefs stated. “It’s important for dairy farmers to follow the example of this herd and test sick cows.”
Although this was not the first Minnesota dairy farm tested for HPAI due to symptoms in cattle, it was the first to confirm positive results, Hoefs added. More samples from dairy farms may be sent to the state lab in the coming days. “Once this news gets out, it triggers other farms to consider testing if they were previously undecided,” Hoefs explained. “I expect more testing later this week and into next week.”
The MN Board of Animal Health has confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a Benton County dairy herd, the first such case in MN. Pasteurized milk products remain safe to consume.
— Minnesota Department of Agriculture (@MNagriculture) June 6, 2024
BAH Release ➡️ https://t.co/4z2JvMsS4q
ℹ️ https://t.co/nGhFDbKMXk#MNAg pic.twitter.com/uJmWl0fHhL
The other states with infected herds are Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas.
