Is YOUR state at risk of bird flu spillover? Map reveals epicenters for disease ... trends now
Fifteen farms across six US states are battling bird flu outbreaks — amid growing concerns the virus could spread to people.
Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Michigan, Idaho and Ohio have all reported the virus in herds, raising concerns over the milk supply.
At the same time, America's largest egg producer — in Texas — has also had to cull nearly 2million birds after detecting the disease in its flock, which could drive up the price of eggs.
The first case in cattle was reported on March 25 in Texas, with cases then reported in herds across the country as cattle were shipped from the state.
A Texas farm worker has tested positive for the virus, and three cats in the state are reported to have died from the disease.
Health agencies say the risk to the public is still low, but farm workers in close contact with infected animals and equipment are thought to be at higher risk.
The above map shows states where infections in cattle have been detected
Scientists are not certain how the virus is spreading between cattle, but experts suggest it may be via infected milk droplets on dairy workers clothing or gloves or on the suction cups from milking machines.
Tests so far have only picked up the virus in the cow's milk, while samples from the nose and blood of infected animals have tested negative.
'We haven't seen any true indication that the cows are actively shedding virus and exposing it directly to other animals,' said the agency's Dr Mark Lyons at a briefing yesterday, reports Science.
Cats are thought to have been infected after consuming infected milk from cows.
Texas — America's biggest cattle state —
