FILE PHOTO: Test tubes labelled “Bird Flu” and eggs are seen in this picture illustration, January 14, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

U.S. cattle vets rename bovine bird-flu

CDC asks state health authorities to have plans in place to test, treat farm workers; says risk to humans still low

An organization representing American cattle veterinarians has opted to refer to bird flu in cattle as bovine influenza A virus, or BIAV, in hopes of distancing it from its avian counterpart.





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Explainer: Avian flu in dairy cows warrants close attention

Farmers should identify unusual signs of disease in cattle and have them examined by a veterinarian

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 three weeks. However, loss of milk production was significant. These same farms reported deceased wild birds on their properties.