New research shows that dairy cows develop an immunity to High-Path Avian Flu (HPAI) after initial infections.
The breakthrough comes after cows exposed through an initial infection showed signs of protection against a secondary exposure. Cows exposed for a second time showed no signs of disease. Their milk production remained steady, and the virus was undetectable.
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan say their study suggests that a vaccine could be highly effective in managing outbreaks. However, they note differences between infection and vaccination and say that more research is needed.
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Bigger cows must wean proportionally heavier calves to justify higher ownership costs.
