© Colleen Kottke/Wisconsin State Farmer / USA TODAY NETWORK
Syndication: Wisconsin State Farmer
(Washington, D.C.) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it has discovered fragments of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, more commonly referred to as bird flu in some samples of dairy milk products. An update from the FDA said they tested milk samples and found the presence of very fine fragments of the virus. They say the commercial milk supply is safe though and that they will continue to do testing. The agency says it is continuing to investigate the outbreak, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state partners.
The virus has recently infected herds of dairy cows in several states, including Texas, Kansas and Michigan. Herds in New Mexico and Idaho are presumed infected. Bird flu is very contagious among birds, and some of the viruses can sick or kill certain domesticated species, including chickens, ducks and turkeys. The disease primarily spreads through contact with infected birds.
