OTTAWA – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is urging farmers and veterinarians to watch for signs of avian influenza in dairy cows, following the recent discovery of cases in herds in the United States.
Avian influenza has not been detected in dairy cows or other livestock in Canada. But since March, US authorities have confirmed cases of the disease in herds in nine states.
Health authorities suspect that wild birds may have transmitted the virus to livestock, although livestock appear to suffer from a milder form of the disease than birds.
No cows have died from the virus and infected cattle usually recover within a few weeks.
Bird flu had no impact on livestock or produce trade. The virus does not pose a food safety concern, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the risk of transmission to humans remains low.
The federal agency asks veterinarians and dairy farmers to watch for signs of illness, such as sudden drops in milk supply or changes in milk consistency.
