Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, primarily affects birds and poultry. However, recent observations suggest that cattle may also be indirectly impacted. This has led to adverse effects on milk production, though the reasons are not direct.
Since the poultry and cattle industries often rely on the same feed sources, disruptions in the supply chain caused by avian influenza can lead to feed shortages. As a result, milk production may decrease due to insufficient feed.
Farms with animals that test positive for avian influenza face movement restrictions, both for animals and workers, to prevent the spread of the virus to cows and people outside the farm. A shortage of labor can directly affect farm operations, including milking routines, thus reducing milk production.
Additionally, biosecurity measures often require restricting the movement of dairy cows, and infected cows are quarantined separately from healthy ones. This increased stress on the animals can further reduce milk yields.
Consumer fear during avian influenza outbreaks also plays a role, as reduced demand for dairy products leads to a decrease in consumption, resulting in further milk losses.