Avian Influenza Confirmed in Benton County Dairy Herd

(Learfield News) Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was found in a Benton County dairy herd Thursday, Minnesota’s first case.

BAH Spokesperson Michael Crusan says testing is one of the most important tools for farmers to utilize, and for the Board to collect data to help prevent future outbreaks.

He says, “If your animals have clinical signs, if they don’t look well, there is something not right, have that conversation with your veterinarian as soon as possible and consider testing those animals.”

Crusan says sick cows must be separated from the healthy herd for 30 days, can’t go off-site, and any milk produced must be treated and dumped.

Once the time passes, they can be retested and, if healthy, integrated back into the herd.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pasteurized dairy remains safe to consume.