(Radio Iowa) - The State Veterinarian says experts don't yet know how bird flu is transmitted from cow to cow within a herd, but if milk production drops, that's a sign the operation has cows infected with the virus.
Dr. Jeff Kaisand (KY-sand) says the milk may also have a yellowish color. The state vet says once bird flu has been confirmed in a dairy operation, workers are advised to wear protective gear, like face masks and public health officials ask the owner of the dairy to monitor the health of their employees.
While no cases of bird flu in humans have been reported IN IOWA, three dairy workers in other states recently have been infected with the virus after working around sick cows. Bird flu has been confirmed at two dairy herds in northwest Iowa.