Cows are seen at a dairy in California, Nov. 23, 2016. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday, April 23, 2024, that samples of pasteurized milk had tested positive for remnants of the bird flu virus that has infected dairy cows. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli/AP.
Cows are seen at a dairy in California, Nov. 23, 2016. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday, April 23, 2024, that samples of pasteurized milk had tested positive for remnants of the bird flu virus that has infected dairy cows. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli/AP.

The H5N1 bird flu isn’t new to the United States, but the disease is causing large outbreaks this year and it is spreading to some mammals, which is concerning health officials.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is taking steps to protect the state’s food supply and residents as the disease continues to spread.

“Maryland specifically put a hold order on movement from dairy cattle from states that have confirmed outbreaks in dairy cattle,” said Jessica Hackett, the director of communications for MDA.

So far nine states have seen cattle infected with bird flu. But other mammals are catching it as well. At least 24,000 South American sea lions have died from the disease.

Read more (and listen) at WYPR.