Explainer: Avian flu in dairy cows warrants close attention [Video]

Glacier FarmMedia—The recent outbreak of avian influenza virus in cattle in the U.S. is one of the top animal health stories in North America. Here is some background information about the virus. However, as this is a rapidly changing situation, some information in this article may have changed by the time of publication.

An emerging disease syndrome was originally identified in dairy cows in Texas. These cows were identified by animal care workers and veterinarians as having the main clinical signs of reduced milk production and decreased feed intake.

Approximately 10 per cent of the cows seem to show clinical signs on affected farms. No deaths occurred and cows seemed to recover with supportive care within two to …