Bird Flu Spooks Meat, Milk Traders as Virus Hits Dairy Cows
- Consumer reaction uncertain even as USDA reassures on risks
- Virus found in cows across several states; one person infected
The contamination of cows poses no major threats to the safety of milk and other dairy products sold at grocery stores.
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A virus that has killed millions of birds is spreading among US dairy cows, raising concerns that the outbreak may hurt demand for dairy and beef.
While the US Department of Agriculture has said there’s little safety risk, the outbreak is unsettling the industry, with cattle and milk prices taking a hit. There’s concern some shoppers will balk at drinking milk or eating beef.