Minnesota Reports First Bird Flu Case in Dairy Herd This Year
A Stearns County dairy farm in Minnesota has been placed under quarantine after testing confirmed the presence of the H5N1 bird flu virus in its milk supply. This marks the first dairy cow infection detected in the state minnesota-reports this year and the second reported case for the same 620-cow farm.
Milk Supply Remains Safe
Despite the infection, state health officials assure that the public milk supply remains safe, as pasteurization minnesota-reports effectively kills the virus.
Bird Flu and Human Risk
Authorities emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low, though farm workers handling infected animals face a higher chance of exposure. To protect them, the Minnesota Department of Health is providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to dairy farms.
Statewide Testing and National Impact
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Minnesota’s dairy farms are now required to undergo monthly H5N1 testing to monitor and contain the virus.
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Nationally, 70 people have been infected with H5N1, with one reported death, according to the CDC.
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Minnesota, a major dairy producer and the top turkey-producing state, has lost over 9 million birds to the ongoing outbreak since its onset three years ago.
Minnesota officials stress that early detection and containment are crucial to protecting both animal and human health as they continue monitoring and responding to the virus.
