The milk and cheese you enjoy are still safe to consume despite cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza impacting some dairy herds across the country.

Cows with decreased feed intake and abnormal milk production are being targeted for testing.  No instances of HPAI, also known as the bird flu, have impacted Wisconsin herds as of Monday. Still, the American Veterinary Medical Association reports infected herds are in Texas, New Mexico, Michigan, Kansas, Idaho, Ohio, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Colorado. UW Extension Agriculture Educator Aerica Bjurstrom says some farms in Door and Kewaunee send growing calves and heifers to those states but adds that operators have been cautious moving cattle and watching for potentially infected birds flying near the animals’ feed.

Consumers are concerned about what happens if they eat beef or drink milk from an infected cow. According to National Public Radio, there has been evidence that fragments of the virus have been found in milk, but Bjurstrom says that, as of now, humans are still able to consume milk and cheese without fear of getting sick.

Bjurstom adds that farmers should continue to monitor their herds for potential symptoms and to keep birds away from their barns and feed facilities to prevent potential exposure.