Episode 188 - We're Past Eradication: Dr. Barb Petersen on Facing Endemic Bird Flu in Dairy Cattle

The Millennial Ag Podcast

Episode Title: "Past Eradication: Dr. Barb Petersen on Embracing Endemic Bird Flu in Dairy Cows"

In this eye-opening episode of Millennial Ag Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Barb Petersen, DVM, one of the pioneering veterinarians who first identified bird flu in dairy cows in Texas back in March 2024. Since that discovery, the virus has continued to spread, mutate, and raise serious concerns for both animal and human health.

Barb provides an essential update on where the virus has spread geographically, how it has evolved, and what might come next as it jumps between species. She warns that cats are the canary in the coal mine—a chilling sign that bird flu could be on the brink of becoming the next major agricultural and potentially human health crisis.

Beyond the science, Barb discusses the sluggish response from U.S. health agencies and the USDA. With critical gaps in government action, she argues that we need to stop talking about "eradication" and start preparing for the reality of an endemic disease—one that could reshape the dairy industry and beyond.

Tune in for a candid, no-nonsense discussion on what this virus means for agriculture, public health, and the future of food production. Will we learn from this "trial run," or are we sleepwalking into the next pandemic?

Connect with Barb:

Facebook: Sunrise Veterinary Service

Instagram: @sunriseveterinaryservice

LinkedIn: Sunrise Veterinary Service

Resources mentioned in this episode:

https://afludiary.blogspot.com/

https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/

https://hogvet51.substack.com/

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