TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- As of Friday afternoon, there are 13 confirmed human cases of the Bird flu in the state and hundreds of infected cows. In the South Valley, a disturbing site of infected and diseased cows on the side of the road sparked biosecurity concerns for local activists.
The video, which Crystal Heath captured on the outskirts of Tulare County on October 8th, shows the aftermath of a bird flu outbreak. Several dead cows infected with Bird flu were found lying on the side of the road for a couple of days. "I was pretty shocked to see these cows just lying there uncovered out in the open," says Crystal.
She continues, "There were no signs warning anybody of the biosecurity risks or warning that there was even an avian influenza outbreak." Crystal, a veterinarian and the Executive Director of "Our Honor," an advocacy non-profit, says she's worried about the spread. "I was really worried about the flies.
I don't think it's been studied enough how flies may be transmitting the virus. Or if wildlife can contract the virus by touching the mucus membranes of those dead animals," Crystal says. Western United Dairies represents the Tulare County Farm where the cows were found.
"It's very unfortunate, in this case the farmers have very few options, you have to separate the sick cows from healthy cows, and when they pass, in order to facilitate a process called rendering," says Anja Raudabaugh, CEO of Western United Dairies. She says their protocol is: "They have to.