Agriculture halts cattle imports after bird flu detected in Texas, Kansas

After testing Cows in Texas, Kansas infected with bird fluMinister of Agriculture Ramón González Beiró announced Cattle imports to the island have been halted until the situation stabilizes.

“Currently our staff have inspected cattle we previously received from Texas and the United States, No signs of infection so far. Of course, we are communicating with federal agencies and conducting evaluations of livestock to ensure the quality of the animals reaching our population,” the minister said in a press release.

As a precautionary measure, González Beiró has established additional requirements, through Executive Order 2024-27.

“By continuing to receive animals from the United States, we must take precautions to prevent the introduction of diseases into Puerto Rico. In view of this situation, in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 69 of June 18, 1957 and the import requirements established by the Agricultural Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, In addition to halting imports over the next few days until the situation improves, applicants must comply with all requirements established to date., additionally inform or certify the farm of origin of the livestock. Each request will receive a consent notice before it is approved,” González Beiró added.

Symptoms seen in cattle include reduced milk production, affected milk quality, reduced feed intake, diarrhea and fever. The risk to the population is low.

of officials Texas Animal Health Commission confirms influenza virus is H5N1 Type A strainThe virus has been known for decades to cause outbreaks in birds and sometimes infect humans, according to the Associated Press. Influenza is affecting older dairy cows in these states and New Mexico.

The notice comes a week after Minnesota officials declared a poultry outbreak at a farm where goats were diagnosed with the virus. The disease, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, is believed to have been first discovered in cattle in the United States..

this Dairies can only supply milk from healthy animals, while those who did not were diverted or destroyed. Pasteurization also kills viruses and other bacteria and is required for all milk sold through interstate commerce.