Flu season for us humans is waning, but another flu is being talked about and causing concerns. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was detected in the milk of cows in Texas and Kansas. Cows in New Mexico have been sick with similar symptoms of decreased milk production and appetite. It is thought the recent infections may have been transmitted by the dead wild birds found on the farms.
Bird flu occurs in wild aquatic birds. It can be spread to domestic chickens. There are two types of bird flu. The first and most common is low pathogenic avian influenza. It causes minimal symptoms in chickens. HPAI causes severe disease and high death rates in chickens. It can be transmitted to cats, dogs and wild mammals.
This is the first time bird flu has been detected in cows. Zoonotic diseases, or diseases passed between species, are more concerning than diseases confined to one species. Avian flu does not usually infect people, but has in rare cases with symptoms ranging from none to death. Symptoms are similar to our flu symptoms.
This strain has been tested and does not show any mutations that would make it more transmissible to humans.
Is drinking milk safe if the cows are sick? The U.S. Department of Agriculture states there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply. The milk sold in stores is pasteurized, which means any bacteria or viruses are killed without affecting the taste or nutritional value. Secondly, the milk of sick cows is destroyed. Also good to know, the number of cows involved will not affect the milk supply or cost at this time.
Selling raw milk is determined by state governments. Massachusetts Department of Agriculture provides a “certificate of registration” to dairy farms in our state. This grants the sale of raw milk for retail on the farm. Twenty percent of Massachusetts farms are approved to sell raw milk. Farmers are diligent in seeking veterinary care and not selling any milk from any cow showing any symptoms of illness.
Common bacteria found in unpasteurized milk that can cause illness include salmonella, E. coli, listeria and campylobacter. As with most infections, babies, children, elderly, pregnant women and immunocompromised people are most susceptible to more serious illness.
Much of what public health recommends to stay safe and limit disease transmission is common sense. If you are interacting with farm or wild animals, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and always wash your hands after contact with them and their surroundings. Clean or change your footwear before entering your house.
Take care of yourself and someone else.
Juanita Carnes is a Westfield resident and a nurse practitioner with 38 years of experience in a hospital emergency department and urgent care facilities. She served 30 years on the Westfield Board of Health.
