High-Path Avian Flu has been confirmed in more than 1,000 herds across 17 states. While it spreads easily in cow udders, researchers have found no signs that it is adapting to humans.
The virus seems to thrive on receptors in cow mammary glands that are similar to those in birds. Most cows recover after a couple of weeks, but the outbreak is still putting a major financial strain on producers.
One estimate from an ag economist suggests a dairy cow 2,500 cows in quarantine could lose half a million dollars a day due to treatment costs, labor, and lost production.
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Beal joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss her election to NASDA’s presidency, challenges facing American agriculture, and her background as a Mainer and dairy farmer.
Bird owners are urged to practice strong biosecurity as fall brings a rise in high path avian flu cases.
Rising cow numbers and higher yields are boosting milk supplies, which may keep pressure on prices and farm margins into the fall.
Herd rebuilding looks slow, keeping cattle prices supported; beef-on-dairy crosses help fill feedlots, while imports temper—but don’t erase—tightness.
