Missouri

Bird flu infections grow in cattle nationwide, Missouri stays clean

Published

2 years ago

August 17, 2024

Bird flu infections grow in cattle nationwide, Missouri stays clean

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – Bird flu has infected cattle in a number of states this year but so far, Missouri’s herds have stayed clean. The state veterinarian says that’s in part due to the biosecurity measures in the state.

With the Missouri State Fair well underway, First Alert 4 headed to Sedalia to check in with farmers about how increased protections for this year’s Fair impacted them and protected their cows.

The bird flu is the common name for Avian Influenza, which can be devastating to flocks of chickens and other birds, according to veterinarians.

Because of the high number of outbreaks, and the transfer of the virus from livestock to humans, the USDA has launched an online tracker.

THE BIRD FLU

As of today, the USDA does not currently report any livestock cases of the bird flu in Missouri.

Some versions of the virus can show no signs, the MDA says. Others require a rapid response because it can be fatal to chickens and is highly contagious.

“The goal is to quickly contain and eradicate the disease, protecting our poultry industry, and in turn, the American consumer,” the MDA website states.

The USDA is monitoring an outbreak in dairy herds across multiple areas of the United States.

In the last month, a total of six states have reported Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI or bird flu) by the USDA.

In that same time frame 29 cases have been reported in Idaho, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Texas — and the hardest hit area — Colorado.

While most states have five or less cases, but Colorado is currently reporting more than 16 in the state, USDA records show.

Other mammals can be infected, including a domestic cat in the Centennial State.

In July, Colorado officials reported 10 cases of bird flu in humans. Officials said that one of the infected worked on a dairy farm, while the remaining cases worked on poultry farms.

But many other states have had cattle herds hit by cases of bird flu this year — including neighbors of Missouri.

Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Wyoming and Idaho have all reported cases since March, according to the USDA’s online tracker.

Still, the CDC says human risk remains low.

Missouri State Veterinarian Steve Strubberg tells First Alert 4 that his department is ready to help any owner who finds their animals infected.

“These health requirements are in place for the 2024 Missouri State Fair in an effort to protect the dairy industry and all of agriculture,” Dr. Strubberg said in a statement. “There have been no cases of H5N1 influenza detected in Missouri dairy cattle. Still, we want to operate in a manner of caution while allowing dairy exhibitors the opportunity to show their animals.”

The disease is a common affliction on in animals across the globe, according to the CDC. Technically known as H5 – avian influenza infects animals through shared air.

Wild birds can catch the disease, and then by mixing with controlled flocks, the infection can spread across farms and ranches, according to animal experts.

COWS & OUTBREAKS

Recently, some dairy cows in the U.S., as well as humans, have become infected with H5. The CDC says that outbreaks in both poultry and dairy animals caused the infections but the health risk is low.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is partnering with FDA, CDC and state level partners to monitor the outbreak ongoing in dairy cows.

In May, the Missouri Department of Agriculture provided an overview of the disease online.

The bird flu is technically known as influenza type A, which can naturally occur in bird populations. The virus moves from bird to bird through droppings, saliva and their nasal passages. It can infect a wide range of birds from chickens to quail.

At the top of the webpage for the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), it states, “There is no immediate public health concern,” and that it is safe to eat properly handled chicken and egg products.

“The United States has the strongest AI [avian influenza] surveillance program in the world,” the MDA says.

The MDA has even produced a set of protocols for animals at the State Fair this year. All lactating dairy cattle must test negative for H5N1 within seven days of their arrival at the fairgrounds in Sedalia.

Lactating dairy cow testing information has been provided, and you can view it here.

The dairy cow displays at the Fair are historic, according to the MDA. The goals of precautions being placed at the Fair – like using personal milking machines, and disposing of the milk – are designed to allow the showing of dairy cattle without risk of any spreading.

The Fairgrounds milking parlor is not slated for exhibition of dairy cattle this Fair, according to July communications of the MDA.

RESOURCES & REPORTING

The MDA website has a section dedicated to questions about bird flu, including a section on whether HPAI might spread easier to mammals more often than originally thought.

“Many species are susceptible to influenza viruses, including wildlife that often come into direct contact with wild birds,” MDA says. “Many of these animals were likely infected after consuming or coming into contact with birds that were infected with HPAI.”

In fact, the USDA lists more than 20 mammals that tested positive for bird flu which cover a wide range from bobcats to bottlenose dolphins, and minks to harbor seals.

WARNING SIGNS FOR AVIAN FLU:

MDA says that there are many symptoms including not eating; coughing; lack of noise; decreased egg production and sudden death.

REPORTING SICK ANIMALS:

The Animal Health Division of the MDA is available at 573-751-3377.

Avery Martinez covers water, ag & the environment for First Alert 4. He is also a Report for America corps member. RFA places talented, emerging journalists in newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. Report for America is an initiative of The GroundTruth Project, an award-winning nonprofit journalism organization dedicated to rebuilding journalism from the ground up.

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Missouri

Missouri bill that would split Jackson County and Kansas City gets little support from lawmakers

Published

10 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Missouri bill that would split Jackson County and Kansas City gets little support from lawmakers

A Missouri House committee had its first hearing this week on a proposed constitutional amendment that would split Kansas City and Jackson County upon approval by voters.

The legislation is nicknamed “Jackxit,” a nod to Brexit, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union in 2020.

Republican state Rep. Mike Steinmeyer is sponsoring the bill. He said eastern Jackson County voters feel underrepresented in the county government, and this legislation would give them the power to change that.

At the hearing, committee members listened to Steinmeyer’s presentation of the bill before asking questions and sharing their thoughts.

Democratic state Rep. Bridget Walsh Moore compared what the bill proposes to “The Great Divorce” that saw the legal separation of the city of St. Louis from St. Louis County in 1876.

Several committee members criticized a part of the bill that says if it’s signed into law, the question of whether to split the county in two would appear on the Missouri ballot every 10 years.

Moore called it a “never-ending clause.”

“There’s a provision that says every 10 years this has to go back on the ballot, whether you like it or not,” Moore said. “And we’re going to keep voting on it, until you vote the way we think you should.”

Democratic state Rep. Jeff Hales said the bill’s language suggests the question would reappear on the ballot every 10 years until it’s approved by voters.

“Why does it end when it’s approved if the importance and the value here is giving the voters of Jackson County a right to weigh in on their charter and their government?” Hales said.

Steinmeyer said that clause exists to give Jackson County voters the opportunity to weigh in on their form of government.

“It gives them the right to speak and say we want change, or we want to abolish and start over,” Steinmeyer said. “That’s all we’re asking for.”

Democratic state Rep. Ashley Aune questioned how the ballot question would protect the right of voters. Steinmeyer said it protects their right to vote and be heard, specifically on their governance.

Lobbyist Shannon Cooper testified on behalf of the city of Kansas City, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City. He said during a public comment period that the bill was “the most befuddling piece of legislation” that he’s had to testify for or against.

Cooper brought up the historic recall election of County Executive Frank White Jr. and said the recall showed the system Steinmeyer is trying to fix with this bill can work.

“If the voters are not happy, they can deal with their problems,” Cooper said. “They’ve proven that in the last year.”

No action was taken on the bill, and it is not yet scheduled for a future hearing.

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Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri, City Council voted Thursday to approve the city’s $2.6 billion budget for 2026-27

Published

22 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

Kansas City, Missouri, City Council voted Thursday to approve the city’s .6 billion budget for 2026-27

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Missouri, City Council voted Thursday to approve a $2.6 billion budget for the city’s fiscal year of 2026-27.

The budget includes $744 million in spending for public safety, including $26.3 million for a new Department of Community Safety and $4.2 million to hire 50 new KCMO Police Department officers, along with 10 call takers and 10 dispatchers.

“Our budget respects the strong fiscal foundation the taxpayers have helped Kansas City build, maintaining a rainy-day fund of over $200 million, increasing road resurfacing, hiring more public safety and city workers, and investing in all Kansas City neighborhoods,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a news release from the city. “In a city that can walk and chew gum, we are proud to welcome the world while delivering strong basic services for Kansas City’s families.”

The council voted to spend $83.8 million for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority to provide bus services, but the KCATA may have to make cuts in bus services even with a $6 million boost in funding from the city.

In addition, the council approved spending $39.4 million for citywide street resurfacing and $1.5 million for tearing down dangerous buildings.

“This budget reflects a collaborative effort across the city, and provides a clear path for Kansas City to keep moving forward with discipline, accountability and a focus on service,” City Manager Mario Vasquez said in the news release. “Thank you to the council for its thoughtful deliberation and input in crafting this budget.”

More information on the fiscal year 2026-27 budget can be found on the city’s website.

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for March 25, 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 25, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from March 25 drawing

07-21-55-56-64, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 3-2-0

Midday Wild: 7

Evening: 0-0-5

Evening Wild: 5

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 2-6-3-9

Midday Wild: 4

Evening: 9-5-6-8

Evening Wild: 1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from March 25 drawing

Early Bird: 07

Morning: 09

Matinee: 04

Prime Time: 14

Night Owl: 07

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from March 25 drawing

12-14-22-26-28

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from March 25 drawing

35-38-41-43-62, Powerball: 08

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.

To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:

Ticket Redemption

Missouri Lottery

P.O. Box 7777

Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.

For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.

When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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