In the United States, the cow cuddling craze could be under threat due to an outbreak of bird flu.
THE social networks trend involves punters paying to snuggle up with a flock – while helping the little ones Farmers cover food bills.
For visitors, it can be therapeutic.
However, livestock cuddles could be under threat after bird flu was confirmed among dairy herds in nine US states.
Scientists believe this phenomenon may actually be more prevalent among the country’s 26,000 licensed dairy farms.
In TexasA a dairy worker tested positive for the virus but the risk of human infection remains low, according to government officials.
These same officials are urging livestock and dairy farmers to limit outside visitors.
New sanitation measures and access limitations have been introduced in the state of Michigan.
Although the emergency response order does not explicitly prohibit cow cuddling, officials do not recommend it.
Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said, “From a human and animal health perspective, now is not a good time to be cuddling cows.
“It’s to protect the cows and the people,” he added.
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The restrictions could cause economic hardship for some small family farms.
Henk De Vor said his northern Michigan farm “already [has] safety measures in place.” Her one-hour sessions are booked weeks in advance and cover the insurance bill.
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Luz and Dan Klotz in Illinois, owners of Luz Farms, have also implemented protective measures to keep their visitors safe and keep their farm in business.
An hour of cuddly cow pays for a bale of hay – enough to feed his little flock for a week.
“It helps a lot,” Mr. Klotz said.
