And the state’s largest organic milk producer’s milk has been contaminated with the virus, losing its raw-milk organic status.
California is the nation’s largest dairy producer with more than 980 dairies.
Farmers are frustrated because bird flu seems to be spreading rapidly despite precautions, reports eDairy News.
Some evidence suggests contaminated equipment and people who work at multiple farms can spread the virus. But the state’s veterinarian says there’s more at play that’s causing the spread.
Sick cows generally recover and start producing milk again, though sometimes they don’t reach the same level of output.
Still, the disease isn’t expected to impact milk supply significantly. And pasteurized milk is safe to drink.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Wednesday to help agencies address the problem.
Poultry farms have been hit by the virus as well. More than 50 California farms tested positive this fall.
In those cases of poultry farms, all the birds in an affected flock have to be euthanized to prevent the virus from spreading.
