WASHINGTON COUNTY, Iowa — Sioux County and O'Brien County are the two counties in Iowa experiencing an outbreak of Avian Influenza, or bird flu, in their dairy cattle.
The bird flu first started impacting chickens and turkeys, and if one bird is infected the whole flock has to go. However, for cows, they have been recovering with proper treatment.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship said the recent dairy cattle outbreaks pose "a significant threat to our livestock."
"The poultry and the dairy industries need to be working together on this and understand that it could each be a source of infection for the other," said Phillip Jardon, Extension Dairy Veterinarian, Iowa State University.
According to dairy farmers, when a cow gets the virus, it is similar to a human getting the flu. They have ways to treat the cows through electrolytes and feeding, just like one would treat a sick human.
"The farmers are doing a lot for cows, if they do get it," said Madi Skubal, a dairy farmer in Washington County. "We're keeping a really close eye on them and giving them all the treatment we can, and they have seen the cows do bounce back after getting this since it is just a virus like a flu."
Dairy products are safe to consume if they are pasteurized. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration is advising Iowans not to consume raw milk.
"If you're buying your milk from the store, it is pasteurized milk, it is safe to consume," Skubal said.
Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig is asking the USDA to help with compensation for farmers impacted.
If a cow is infected, it could likely spread to other cows in the herd, requiring the farmers to get rid of that cow's milk supply and increase labor in order to treat the cows.
"I would just be more concerned about mental health on the farmers who are having to deal with this on their farms because it is a lot," Skubal said. "We put our heart and soul into our cows, so when you see your cows sick and as many cows sick that do get this, it is hard to watch."
Officials say it is more important than ever for farmers to continue practicing biosecurity. Skubal says their farm has closed off tours while researchers work to learn more about the virus and how to prevent it.