Fragments of a potentially dangerous bird flu virus that appeared in Austin wastewater, miles from the nearest dairy farm, are sending researchers in a race to find the source.

IPR and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.Earlier this month, Laurie Stanek shoveled hay to a group of young black-and-white Holstein cows, just a few among the roughly 200 cattle on her family dairy farm.

We Are Not Safe from Bird Flu Until We Protect Farm Workers H5N1 avian influenza, or bird flu, continues to rip across the U.S. In just the last few months, it’s infected at least three people—all dairy workers—while spreading among chickens and cows in dozens of farms across several states.