Rant: Legacy media sucks shit. I’m not an epidemiologist and I need context but 74% seems really fucking bad to me.

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I googled but only Twitter and Bluesky have info. The page is at usda.gov and the data stuff doesn’t load for me. There’s a “Download Data” link at the top if you have the same problem.

I based my headline on this Bluesky post.

H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads Rapidly Through California Dairy Herds

The USDA has confirmed that five more dairy herds in California are infected, bringing the total number to 732.

As of now, 74% of the state’s dairy herds have tested positive for the virus.

[Bluesky link deleted]

  • 7bicycles [he/him]@hexbear.net
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    2 days ago

    As of now, 74% of the state’s dairy herds have tested positive for the virus.

    This does not sound like specified testing to me

    • aebletrae [she/her]@hexbear.net
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      2 days ago

      At least some of the testing follows suspicion of infection.

      Voluntary Testing of Cattle

      While interstate movement testing of lactating dairy cattle is required per the Federal Order, producers and veterinarians may choose to conduct additional testing to manage HPAI suspect or affected herds to better protect their herds. If this testing is performed at NAHLN laboratories, APHIS will support the testing costs provided they obtain a FAD number (for sick cattle) or include a premises ID and follow the testing guidance below. APHIS will reimburse for Influenza testing at NAHLN laboratories associated with this event for the following submission reasons:

      • Suspect cattle
      • Apparently healthy cattle that have been exposed to or epidemiologically linked to suspect or confirmed positive HPAI cattle
      • Cattle from producers concerned their cattle may have HPAI
      • Sick or dead domestic animals near affected premises
      • Wildlife (reason for submission must indicate emerging event)
      • Monitoring of healthy cattle via bulk tank samples (approved participation per protocol specified below)

      Testing Guidance for Influenza A in Livestock