FOLEY, Minn. – The dreaded bird flu, which forced the euthanasia of thousands of Minnesota turkeys and other fowl in 2022, has crossed species to cattle. State veterinarian Brian Hoeff said several dozen cows are sick on a farm northeast of St. Cloud near Foley. “It was only a matter of time,” Hoeff said. In March the flu was found in a Texas dairy herd. Also: A Michigan dairy worker has tested positive with mild eye symptoms. At this time, Hoeff said, farmers should destroy milk from infected animals. Also, he said, infected cows should be quarantined 30 days. The public risk is low, though Hoeff noted that people who work with infected animals could be at risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has found inactive traces of the virus in the milk supply but says that pasteurized dairy products safe.
Hoeff. State veterinarian.