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H5N1 bird flu has been discovered in a pig in Oregon, a development that has sparked new concerns among infectious disease experts.
Salinas-based international food production giant Taylor Farms had announced a recall on four onion products ‘due to potential E. coli contamination.’
I’m Susanne Rust, staff writer for the L.A. Times; I’m filling in for Sammy Roth today.
Dairy industry experts say the virus entered California after local cows were shipped to another state and then returned to California.
Although California dairy farmers had heard about the H5N1 bird flu before it hit, none was prepared for the devastation it would cause in some herds.
California H5N1 outbreaks have had little impact on overall milk production, but experts warn that outbreaks could soon increase substantially.
Although California dairy farmers anticipated a bird flu mortality rate of less than 2%, some say between 10% and 15% of infected cattle are dying.
State officials say two dairy workers in the Central Valley have contracted H5N1 bird flu. They say the risk of infection remains low for the general population.
As the range and incidence of valley fever grows, public health officials are struggling to warn visitors of the risk.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a bipartisan bill banning octopus farming in the state. California is now the second state to do so.
