Bird Flu Causes Massive Impact on California & National Milk Production

To date, H5N1 avian influenza virus type A (bird flu) has been confirmed in dairy cattle across 17 states, and has infiltrated the epicenter of the nation’s milk production — the Central Valley of California. As of April 7, it has been detected on 758 California herds. While new cases and the spread of the virus has slowed with the onset of springtime (and conditions have improved since the time of the interview), the virus’ impact on lower milk production in the Central Valley was felt by the nation. California Dairy Editor Matthew Malcolm met with Senior Dairy Analyst at Rabobank Lucas Fuess at the World Ag Expo to discuss the impact the virus has had on cows, national production and prices. Watch this brief interview and read more about the economic impact of H5N1 in the latest issue of California Dairy Magazine.