South Dakota ag officials monitoring reports of avian flu 

(Pierre, SD)  --  State agriculture officials are reporting a local case of avian influenza among dairy cows.  

The highly pathogenic virus was found in a cattle herd in South Dakota, but officials did not say where.  

Dairy producers in the state are encouraged to closely monitor their herd for symptoms, like decreased lactation and low appetite.  

This is the first confirmed case of avian influenza in a dairy operation in our state.  

The USDA says pasteurization kills the virus, and milk and dairy products are safe to consume.