How to Avoid Bird Flu from Cows

You might have heard reports of cattle in 8 different states being infected with bird flu. We in Canada are fortunate enough to not be affected by this wide-spread infection yet. While it’s not uncommon for animals like raccoons, foxes, cats, dogs, and even humans to contract bird flu, this is the first time we've discovered it in cows.

So, how does a giant herbivore like a cow become infected with bird flu?

Well, that’s still under investigation, but the most likely source is feces or other secretions from an infected bird or birds. Some speculate that this could be from a “wild bird,” as wild birds can contract bird flu. However, poultry birds are more likely to contract bird flu in the states than wild birds. Another factor is that poultry manure is widely used in agriculture as feed—yes, cows can and do eat chicken poop.

So, how does a giant herbivore like a cow become infected with bird flu? Well, that’s still under investigation, but the most likely source is feces or other secretions from an infected bird or birds. Some speculate that this could be from a “wild bird,” as wild birds can contract bird flu. However, poultry birds are more likely to contract bird flu in the states than wild birds. Another factor is that poultry manure is widely used in agriculture as feed—yes, cows can and do eat chicken poop.

I'm only speculating, but given the widespread nature of this infection, I’d wager that it was caused by infected poultry litter being used as feed—barf.

Now, assuming my readers are sufficiently grossed out by this, let's skip to the main question: How can you avoid getting bird flu from a cow?

The best way to avoid getting bird flu from a cow is to avoid drinking unpasteurized milk. There is no evidence to suggest that pasteurized milk carries the same risk. So, just make sure your milk is pasteurized, and you should be safe.

But why are we still using animals for milk in 2024? There's no need to drink animal milk when there are so many environmental and health risks associated with raising cattle. With the plant milk section offering a plethora of choices—oat, soy, almond, hemp, coconut, cashew, rice, pea—the list goes on, why are we still relying so heavily on cow’s milk? Even goat or sheep’s milk are better alternatives with lower lactose, fewer naturally occurring hormones, and a lower environmental footprint.

Fortified plant milks, especially soy milk, are healthier alternatives. But again, it's 2024, and if you can read this, you probably don’t need any milk to survive—plant-based or animal-based.

Since we as weaned humans don’t need it to survive, why do we drink and use dairy?

Well, some of us simply like the taste of milk. Some believe we need it for its calcium or protein content, and some have never really considered whether there was a good reason to stop drinking milk.

The Canadian dietary guidelines suggest making water your drink of choice, and I advocate for this. That doesn’t mean animal or plant milks can’t be consumed; it just means they should be limited. Those who are overweight or obese should especially consider limiting their consumption of any calorie-containing drinks.

If you are going to drink animal milk, opt for skim or low-fat milk and no more than 1 cup daily, and ALWAYS choose pasteurized milk to avoid becoming ill.

A healthier alternative would be unsweetened soy milk. Brands like Eden Organics produce soy milk with only 2 ingredients: soybeans and water. Their unsweetened soy milk packs in more protein per cup than cow’s milk and doesn’t contain the naturally occurring mammalian hormones that cow’s milk does.

I hope this article was informative and encourages more deep thought into how our animals are raised and fed. Remember to think deeply when you eat. Every item on your plate has a story.