Following the recent confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in dairy cattle, goats and a person, the Minnesota House Agriculture Committee got an update on the virus. Minnesota Board of Animal Health Executive Director Dr. Brian Hoefs said the agency is developing protocols for mitigating risk to livestock and caretakers. Hoefs advised the use of personal protective equipment when handling raw milk. “I grew up on a dairy farm and we dipped a pitcher in the milk tank for breakfast every morning; that’s not a good idea in light of this information.” To avoid risk, Hoefs also advocated consumption of pasteurized milk.
