Photo: File

Bird flu spreads to California dairy cows

Cows at three dairy farms in California tested positive for H5N1 bird flu at the end of August, marking an expansion of the virus into the largest dairy producing region of the United States, according to an announcement from the state’s agriculture department. More than 190 herds have been infected across the U.S. since March,



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Dairy testing for bird flu expanded in Canada

Non-clinical dairy cattle eligible for funded testing

On June 17, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency updated their guidance for private veterinarians on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The update noted the expanded eligibility for testing, and that the CFIA would cover lab test fees at any Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN) lab that is approved to test samples in domestic animals. The agency will not, however, pay veterinarian fees for sample collection or shipment to the lab.






“We’ve never seen anything like this before — never, ever, ever.” – Shayan Sharif, University of Guelph.

Flu strain in U.S. dairy cattle may be a different beast

Strain infecting dairy cattle in U.S. behaves erratically, says bird flu specialist

Veterinarians and food safety officials have been scrambling for about a month to understand the origin and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza in U.S. dairy herds across several states. Many potential vectors have been considered, from migratory birds, direct cow-to-cow transmission and milking equipment. A University of Guelph veterinary professor has one word to