Avian flu investigations launched at three dairies in Central Valley of California

The highly pathogenic avian flu causing widespread outbreaks in dairy cows in the United States may have found its way to the Central Valley.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is investigating the “possible introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at three dairy farms in the Central Valley.”

The virus — known as Avian influenza, bird flu, or H5N1 — is fatal to poultry and was first reported in U.S. dairy cows on March 25.

Since then, the virus has spread to 13 states and infected 192 herds.

Although not fatal to cows, the virus causes the animals to become lethargic and to produce less milk, resulting in a loss of revenue for the dairy operator.

Sick cows must also must be taken out of milking rotation and isolated from the rest of the cows until they recover, a process that could take several weeks.

State agriculture officials remind the public that if it’s confirmed the cows are infected with the avian flu, pasteurization kills the virus, making the dairy products safe for consumers.