The U.S. bird flu outbreak affecting dairy cattle is believed to be significantly larger than official reports indicate, primarily due to farmers’ hesitance to test their animals. This reluctance stems from fears of economic repercussions associated with a positive test result, as revealed by interviews conducted by Reuters with dairy experts, veterinarians, and farmers across six states.
Since March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has documented bird flu cases in around 190 dairy herds across 13 states. The virus’s transmission from birds to cows raises concerns about its potential to adapt and spread among humans. Limited surveillance could hinder the U.S.’s ability to respond effectively to any further human transmission, according to scientists.
Thirteen farm workers have reportedly contracted the virus this year, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, many experts believe the actual number of infected herds is underreported. State animal health officials highlighted that farmers often avoid testing due to the fear of being unable to sell their milk or cattle for extended periods.
The presence of the virus can lead to reduced milk production, which is particularly concerning for the U.S., the second-largest cheese producer globally. Joe Armstrong, a veterinarian from the University of Minnesota, estimates that the actual number of infected cattle in Minnesota could be three to five times higher than the official count.
In response to the situation, the USDA has encouraged testing by mandating negative tests for cows shipped across state lines since April and has launched a voluntary testing program for milk supplies. However, only 24 dairy herds are participating out of approximately 24,000 farms nationwide.
Some farmers remain skeptical about the severity of the virus or feel that the government’s testing incentives do not adequately compensate for anticipated losses. For instance, Colorado farmer Terry Dye chose not to report infections in his dairies, opting to manage the situation privately until state officials intervened.
The USDA does offer compensation for farmers with infected animals, covering veterinary care and 90% of lost milk production. Despite this, only 47 herds have sought financial assistance, including some without infections.
The USDA conducts testing on raw milk to detect the virus, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assures that pasteurization effectively eliminates the virus, making commercial milk safe for consumption.