Photo: Photograph taken by Alan Hopps / Moment / Getty Images
(Des Moines, IA) -- Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig is reassuring consumers that the nation's dairy supply is safe. The reassurance comes amid news of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detected in dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas. Naig says cattle recover from the virus, and unlike poultry, depopulation will not be necessary.
Naig says current technology on dairy farms effectively detects symptoms.
"Our team is actively monitoring this evolving situation regarding the news that dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas have tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. We are communicating with USDA, other states and industry stakeholders while we learn more and as there are new developments. Protecting Iowa's livestock farmers from foreign animal disease has been and will continue to be one of my top priorities as Secretary," said Naig.
We are strongly encouraging industry partners, farmers and veterinarians to report cattle illnesses quickly to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at 515-281-5305 so that we can monitor any potential cases.