Several cases

Cows in the USA test positive for bird flu

The new development comes less than a week after veterinary officials discovered H5N1 avian flu in baby goats on a farm.(Bild: APA/dpa/Karl-Josef Hildenbrand (Symbolbild))

As part of an investigation into mysterious illnesses in dairy cows in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico, tests on raw milk and nasal swabs in Kansas and Texas have detected highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Symptoms in the cows included reduced milk production, loss of appetite and other symptoms. According to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the infections occurred mainly in older dairy cows.

Avian influenza also detected in baby goats
The new development comes less than a week after veterinary officials in Minnesota discovered H5N1 avian flu in baby goats on a farm where the virus had been detected in a backyard poultry flock.

(Bild: APA/dpa/Karl-Josef Hildenbrand (Symbolbild))

Disease poses a conundrum for the agricultural industry
The Texas Department of Agriculture announced on Tuesday that the disease is baffling the agricultural industry. The cows are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, including fever and thick, discolored milk.

"Based on the findings from Texas, the evidence appears to have been introduced from wild birds," it said. Further testing and sequencing is underway to characterize the virus and determine which strain or strains are involved.

There are said to be no concerns about the country's milk supply, nor any risk to human health.