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USDA mandates raw milk be tested for avian flu, Kansas reports new cases

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USDA mandates raw milk be tested for avian flu, Kansas reports new cases


DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — The USDA is mandating that raw milk products be submitted for testing. Scripps News reported that officials believe it will help the USDA better understand the transmission and mutation of avian flu.

“This April it [HPAI] did show that it was able to move into other species, meaning dairy cattle,” explained Dr. Justin Smith, Kansas Animal Health Commissioner, “We were concerned that it actually was the same virus, which you’ll sometimes hear called H5N1 influenza as well.”

Ryan Gamboa/KSHB

Dr. Justin Smith, Kansas Animal Health Commissioner

The Kansas Department of Agriculture told KSHB 41 that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is the strain commonly referred to in bird species. Following the virus’s indication, it can spread through dairy cattle, it is commonly referred to as H5N1.

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“It is basically this the same virus. We’re dealing with it now in two different species right now across the states,” added Dr. Smith.

Geese poop on Disneyland guests, hitting 17 people from air

Chip Somodevilla

Migrating waterfowl lead to spike in Avian Flu cases in Kansas.

Original photo: A group of Canada Geese fly over the Ellipse near the White House December 18, 2006 in Washington, DC.

The presence of HPAI is nothing new, it has been on wildlife biologists’ minds since the early 2000s. In 2022, HPAI’s impact culled nearly 100 million birds, affecting egg prices across the United States.

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“Right now we’re seeing an influx of particularly Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese in the state of Kansas. They seem to be one of the primary vectors for avian influenza,” explained Tom Bidrowski, Migratory Game Bird Manager at the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. “When we do see new birds arriving, we start seeing a few outbreaks in our wild populations.”

Tom Bidrowski

Ryan Gamboa/KSHB

Tom Bidrowski, Migratory Game Bird Manager, KDWP

KDWP said the recent spike in avian flu numbers is not having an overall impact on migratory waterfowl populations. It has impacted isolated avian flu cases in Douglas County, Kansas.

As of Dec. 6, 2024, Douglas County sits in red on an avian flu tracking map issued by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

“That map represents our ‘avian’ version, HPAI. We did have a positive backyard flock recently in Douglas County,” said Smith. “It was this relatively small flock of mixed birds. We went out and tested those birds and they did have it. It [Douglas] is considered a positive county now.”

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Kansas Avian Flu Map

Kansas Department of Agriculture

Kansas Department of Agriculture’s map highlighting Avian influenza throughout the state. Douglas County reported the state’s first HPAI case since April this week.

KDA reports that the location housing the backyard flock of birds is under certain disinfection requirements.

“There’s no indication right now that any of our dairies are being impacted with this virus in the dairy world,” Smith added.

At the end of November, KSHB 41 met Rachel Moser, the co-owner of Be Whole Again Farm. She runs a raw milk operation in Ray County, Missouri.

Cow at Be Whole Again Farm

KSHB 41 News staff

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Cow at Be Whole Again Farm

“Raw milk is just one of those things that is really easy to digest,” Moser said. “It comes straight out of the cow, straight into a paper filter, kind of like a coffee filter, and into a cooling tank. It’s just milk.”

Moser’s business journey in raw milk was to get people back to the old way. Be Whole Again Farm believes in safe food practices of the 21st century.

“Raw milk was what humans drank for forever until the industrial revolution,” she explained. “In today’s day and age with refrigeration and cleaning chemicals… raw milk is not more dangerous than any other raw food.”

Rachel Moser, co-owner of Be Whole Again Farm

Caroline Hogan

KSHB spoke to a local farmer to discuss their safety practices when it comes to producing raw milk.

Moser utilizes various processes to determine milk quality and consistently checks on the welfare of her animals.

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“I see my cows. If I see that she looks depressed or off… we’re checking for fevers and things like that,” Moser added. “You can come and inspect my facilities and see with your own eyes we are being clean.”

Be Whole Again Farm told KSHB 41 that a large part of the raw milk industry is to know your farmer.

Raw milk recalled.

California Dept. of Health

The Kansas Department of Agriculture said raw milk consumers and dairy farm workers are the most susceptible to infection of avian flu in milk.

“If you’re buying pasteurized processed milk. That is not the milk we are looking at,” Smith explained. “I would highly encourage folks that elect to consume raw milk, that they do their due diligence. They need to make sure the dairy providing that raw milk, their cows are not suffering from this disease.”

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To be clear, milk that’s been pasteurized and purchased in a grocery store will not need to be submitted for avian flu testing. KDA told KSHB 41 that pasteurization is safe and raw products will be submitted for testing moving forward.

Bird Flu

Cynthia Goldsmith, Jackie Katz/AP

This 2005 electron microscope image shows an avian influenza A H5N1 virion.

“There are some concerns about raw milk that does have the virus in it. If it’s being harvested from a cow that has the virus, there is a concern there and what the consumption of that virus is, we don’t know yet,” said Smith. “There’s no indication that it’s been a problem if those folks that have consumed it again from the pasteurization.”

The Kansas Department of Agriculture last reported a case of HPAI in April 2024. New mandates are creating additional strain and responsibility in farmers’ stewardship.

“The risk of getting someone sick,” Moser added. “I could lose everything.”

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Body believed to be Kansas City highway shooting suspect found in burned home’s basement by family: police

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Body believed to be Kansas City highway shooting suspect found in burned home’s basement by family: police


NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

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Police told Fox News on Wednesday that a body believed to be Oscar Sanchez-Munoz, the 22-year-old suspect in a deadly string of highway shootings near the Kansas City World Cup venues, was discovered by his family in the basement of a burned home.

Officials said the family contacted police at about 2 p.m. local time after finding decomposing remains hidden beneath piles of debris. 

While the family had visited the home several times since it caught fire during an overnight police standoff, police said they only discovered the body after removing debris and noticing a distinct odor.

MANHUNTS ACROSS AMERICA IN 2025: FIVE CASES THAT LEFT CITIES, CAMPUSES AND TOWNS ON EDGE

Oscar Sanchez-Munoz was wanted in connection with at least six shootings across multiple states. (FBI)

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Previously, investigators, federal partners and K-9 units had repeatedly searched the Independence, Missouri, property without success. 

Authorities said the basement partially collapsed, flooded with water, and was filled with a large amount of “clutter,” which complicated the search.

The discovery brings a presumed end to a massive multi-agency manhunt that began after Sanchez-Munoz allegedly fired at vehicles along Interstate 70, just miles from Arrowhead Stadium where FIFA World Cup matches were being held.

MANHUNT INTENSIFIES FOR ARMY VETERAN SUSPECTED OF KILLING 4 IN BAR SHOOTING AFTER TRUCK FOUND ABANDONED

The FBI released a wanted poster seeking the public’s assistance in finding suspect Oscar Sanchez-Munoz. (FBI)

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The spree of half dozen shootings left one person dead and several others seriously injured, including an Uber driver who was shot while transporting soccer fans. 

During the search for Sanchez-Munoz, the FBI offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to his capture, warning the public that he was “armed and dangerous.”

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche had publicly speculated that the suspect might be dead inside the Missouri home, though police were unable to confirm it at the time.

MANHUNT UNDERWAY AFTER MISSOURI DEPUTY SLAIN, SUSPECT’S TRUCK SPOTTED HEADING TOWARD ARKANSAS BORDER

FBI officials said suspect Oscar Sanchez-Munoz had visible acne scars and is 5 feet 8 inches tall. (FBI)

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Officials said investigators are currently operating under the assumption that the deceased person is Sanchez-Munoz, noting clothing on the body matched what the shooter wore during last week’s attacks.

A medical examiner will confirm the identity and determine the cause of death.

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Officials assured the public there is no threat to the community, and added that all surviving victims are expected to recover.

Fox News Digital’s Kelsie Cairns contributed to this report.

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Where to watch Kansas City Royals vs Tampa Bay Rays: TV channel, start time, streaming for June 24

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Where to watch Kansas City Royals vs Tampa Bay Rays: TV channel, start time, streaming for June 24


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The 2026 MLB season has surpassed the quarter mark, and after each team’s first 40 games, there’s plenty of reasons to tune in all summer long.

Chicago White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami has already proven doubters wrong by launching 17 home runs, Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes consistently looks like the best version of himself on the mound and Milwaukee ace Jacob Misiorowski is throwing harder than any starter in the majors.

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The MLB action continues on Wednesday as the Kansas City Royals visit the Tampa Bay Rays.

Here’s everything you need to know to tune in for the first pitch.

See USA TODAY’s sortable MLB schedule to filter by team or division.

What time is Kansas City Royals vs Tampa Bay Rays?

First pitch between the Tampa Bay Rays and Kansas City Royals is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday, June 24.

How to watch Kansas City Royals vs Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday

All times Eastern and accurate as of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 6:33 a.m.

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  • Matchup: KC at TB
  • Date: Wednesday, June 24
  • Time: 6:40 p.m. (ET)
  • Venue: Tropicana Field
  • Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
  • TV: Royals.TV and Rays.TV
  • Streaming: MLB.TV on Fubo

Watch MLB all season long with Fubo

MLB regional blackout restrictions apply

MLB scores, results

MLB scores for June 24 games are available on usatoday.com . Here’s how to access today’s results:

See scores, results for all of today’s games.



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Jac Caglianone make puny ball go very far in Royals win

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Jac Caglianone make puny ball go very far in Royals win


Tonight, the Kansas City Royals dismantled the Tampa Bay Rays in a cathartic 12-5 victory. It was a full-team showing, with Carter Jensen extending his hit streak to 14 games, Nick Loftin swatting a home run on a four-hit night, and Luinder Avila navigating his way through five tough innings of one-run ball in front of some of some incredibly bad infield defense.

But you’re here for Jac Caglianone, who ended the day with three hits and a pair of home runs. Here’s his first, which came immediately after Loftin’s home run in the first frame of the game and sounded like a thunderclap.

And here’s the other one, an arguably more impressive center-left shot to the deepest part of the ballpark.

To say that Caglianone has been on fire would not be accurate, because he is fire right now. Tonight’s gigantic dongs were his eighth and ninth of the month of June; they extended his hitting streak to five games and his home run streak to four games.

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This was one of those games were so much happened that, paradoxically, nothing much happened, because each successive hit meant less and less as the score ballooned and ballooned. I mentioned the infield defense–Salvador Perez lost two popups, and the rest of the infield didn’t see them, either. That required Avila to essentially get five outs in one inning. It was really quite comical in hindsight, but groan-worthy in the moment for sure.

Pretty much everyone got involved in the offense. Lane Thomas and Starling Marte were the only two batters without a hit. Michael Massey, Perez, and Kameron Misner recorded doubles, which in addition to the home runs made six extra base hits. The Royals did a nice job totally putting the game away in the eighth inning against Steven Matz, who was just tossing batting practice out there.

Kansas City’s bullpen also did a nice job (mostly). It helps to have such a big lead, but Stephen Cruz and Matt Strahm pitched before the lead was quite as big as it was, and you know what? They both turned in clean innings! So, too, did Beck Way. Someone named “Connor Seabold” came in to pitch the ninth, and the Royals might as well have sent Tyler Tolbert out there. Seabold gave up a trio of runs, but the Royals closed it out.

At 34-46, the Royals are still closer to the American League basement than they are the penthouse. But have you looked at the AL right now? The current owners of the third Wild Card slot, the Toronto Blue Jays, don’t even have a .500 record. What a weird year.



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