"It is alarming," said Anja Raudabaugh, chief executive officer of Western United Dairies in Modesto. The virus's jump from birds to cows surprised scientists and raised concerns.
For now, California remains free of avian flu. Industry officials credit the coordinated mitigation efforts of dairy operators, scientists and health officials for holding the line and keeping the virus out of the state.
California, lead by the San Joaquin Valley, dominates U.S. milk production, pumping out more than 4 billion pounds annually. This is crucial as dairy products were valued at $10.4 billion in 2022.
Extra vigilant, Tulare County dairy farmer Tom Barcellos has had to remain on high alert since the news of avian flu in neighboring states started spreading.
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