How bird flu could threaten cow cuddling

Cow cuddling is all the rage in the United States thanks to social media, but opening the barn door to the public faces a new risk after bird flu has been confirmed in dairy herds in nine states. One dairy worker tested positive for the virus. Charging people to pet their animals can be a lifeline for struggling farmers. While they consider bird flu risk to humans to be low, government officials are urging dairy farmers to limit outside visitors.

Class discussion: Have you seen any online videos or posts about cow cuddling? Would you pay $75 to have a cuddle with a 1,600-pound heifer? How about trying yoga with baby goats or feeding baby piglets? Why do humans seek contact with other animal species? Would visiting farm animals which are being raised for food change what you eat? Would you pass up a farm visit because of bird flu? What diseases have been passed from other animals to humans?