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Vilsack reassures producers following detections of avian flu in livestock

U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack is reassuring producers following detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza in livestock. 

Vilsack referred to a statement released by his agency Monday afternoon confirming dairy herds in Texas and Kansas contracted avian flu.

“First of all, the cows that have experienced this, after seven to ten days, are back to normal. Milk that was produced by these cows while they were sick didn’t go into the stream of commerce, (so the) milk supply is safe.”

He tells Brownfield the number of cows affected is not large enough to impact the supply of milk or dairy products.

“So there shouldn’t be a problem with supply or price. That should reassure folks.”

He says USDA is confident the virus is not transmissible from cow to cow.

Vilsack made these comments while visiting the Clear Lake, Iowa Community School District Monday afternoon to highlight USDA’s Healthy Meals Incentive Program.