“Dead Cows Pile Up in Tipton as H5N1 Bird Flu Ravages California Dairy Industry”
In Tipton, California, a sickness has taken hold of the dairy industry in Tulare County. The H5N1 bird flu virus, first reported in California in early August, has infected 124 dairy herds and 13 dairy workers. The spread of the virus shows no signs of slowing down, according to dairy experts.
On a scorching 98-degree afternoon, dead cows and calves were seen piled up along the roadside in Tipton. Swarms of black flies buzzed around the carcasses, while crows and vultures waited nearby. The mortality rate among infected cows has been higher than expected, causing concern among industry experts.
Baker Commodities, a rendering company, has been picking up a surge of dead cows in the San Joaquin Valley. The diseased carcasses are brought to their rendering site in Kerman, where they are recycled into animal feed and fertilizer. Despite the increase in dead animals, the plant is operating normally with no service disruptions.
While the sight of dead cows along the roadside may be disturbing, experts say there is little risk to public health. The virus stops replicating at death, and the heat and putrefaction neutralize the live virus. However, the devastation caused by the virus in California’s dairy herds has been unexpected and uneven.
Dairy farmers are facing financial burdens and high mortality rates in their cattle herds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a program to compensate farmers for production loss due to the virus, but there is currently no program to support affected farmers or dairy workers.
Farmworker advocates are concerned about the lack of protections for dairy workers, many of whom are immigrants and undocumented. These workers are on the front lines of the outbreak and face financial disaster if they test positive for the virus. There is a push to inform workers about the importance of getting vaccinated and taking precautions.
The recombination of H5N1 with a human flu virus is a major concern for public health officials. While the current public health risk of H5N1 is low, the CDC is monitoring people with animal exposures. Conversations with Tipton residents suggest that the number of infected workers may be higher than reported.
Overall, the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in California’s dairy industry has caused significant challenges for farmers, workers, and public health officials. The impact of the virus on dairy herds and the potential for recombination with human flu viruses are ongoing concerns that require continued monitoring and response.