In the News
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Cache Valley Daily Monday, May. 13, 2024
USU scientists share information about Avian flu in birds and cows
LOGAN - Avian Influenza, or bird flu, is deadly in chickens and some other birds but according to the latest news from Utah State University, the same is not true in cows.
Tom Baldwin, Director of USU’s Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, said the virus does not kill dairy cows and is not an infectious disease that would force the USDA to direct mandatory slaughter. Pasteurized milk and properly cooked meat are also safe.
Cows that contract bird flu have a sharp drop in milk production. Dairies that suspect their cows have the virus should move the sick cows to a hospital pen, then call a veterinarian.