Possible Spread of Bird Flu Among Cows Raises Concerns Over Food Supply

Over the past month, the federal authorities have addressed the public to reassure them that the recent outbreak of bird flu on dairy farms does not pose a threat to the nation's food or milk supply. However, recent developments suggest a more serious situation than initially indicated.

An update from the Department of Agriculture this week revealed troubling evidence of the virus spreading among cows and from cows to poultry. This finding has raised concerns about the extent of the infection and its potential impact on the agricultural sector.

Undisclosed Information

According to exclusive information obtained by The New York Times, officials in North Carolina have discovered cases of bird flu infections in a cattle herd that showed no symptoms. Surprisingly, this information has not been shared publicly by the U.S.D.A., indicating a lack of transparency about the true extent of the outbreak.

The discovery in North Carolina suggests that the infection may be more widespread than previously thought. This has prompted questions about the presence of asymptomatic animals on other farms, especially since the U.S.D.A. does not mandate testing for infection in cattle. Previously, testing reimbursements were limited to visibly ill cows, but the department has now announced plans to expand reimbursements to cover testing of asymptomatic cows as well.