Avian-Flu Outbreaks in Texas Cattle and Poultry Linked to Migratory Waterfowl

Avian-Flu Outbreaks

Chicago, The Gulf Observer: In a press statement released on Tuesday, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller attributed the widening avian-flu outbreaks in Texas cows and poultry to migratory waterfowl, indicating that wild birds carrying the virus are expected to migrate north soon.

The U.S. government has reported cases of the disease in seven dairy herds in Texas since last week, along with one person who had contact with cows, making it the state most affected by the country’s first-ever outbreaks in cattle. Texas, being the largest U.S. cattle producer, faces significant challenges in containing the spread of the virus.

These cases in dairy cattle, along with the second human case in two years in the United States, have reignited concerns about the virus, which has been infecting poultry flocks and a growing number of other species globally since 2022.

A notable incident occurred at a Texas egg farm, where a positive test result led egg producer Cal-Maine to cull 1.6 million laying hens, marking a significant setback in the state’s poultry industry.

Commissioner Miller emphasized, “This is spread by waterfowl. It’s migratory season.” He highlighted the urgent need for preventive measures, given the impending migratory patterns of wild birds.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initially reported on March 25 that a cow and milk from two dairies in Texas tested positive for bird flu, alongside milk from two dairies in Kansas. Subsequent tests confirmed positive cases in additional dairy herds in Texas, New Mexico, Michigan, and Idaho, indicating a widespread concern.

“We’re ready for the ducks to head north to their nesting grounds,” stated Commissioner Miller, expressing hope that the migratory birds’ departure would mitigate the situation.

Although the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the risk of bird flu for humans to be low, vigilance is crucial. Richard Webby, a virologist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stressed the importance of establishing links between sickness in cows and the presence of ducks and cats on the farms.

The Texas outbreak underscores the need for global vigilance, with Webby emphasizing the potential for similar events in Europe and Asia.

The origin of the Texas outbreak remains under investigation, with Commissioner Miller recalling a mysterious illness affecting dairy herds about a month ago. Suspecting it was bird flu, he emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance and collaboration to mitigate future outbreaks.