News in Brief:
– Twelve cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been confirmed in dairy cattle across five American states, raising concerns among local farmers and industry experts.
– Urgent calls for stringent biosecurity measures and collaborative efforts underscore the need to mitigate the spread of the influenza in the dairy industry.
Twelve cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have rattled the dairy industry across five American states, raising concerns among local farmers and industry experts.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed these cases in dairy herds primarily in Texas, with seven cases, followed by two in Kansas, and one each in Michigan, New Mexico, and Idaho, according to a news report. The latter state recently identified its first cases in a Cassia County dairy cattle operation, hinting at potential nationwide implications.
Fred Gingrich, executive director for the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), notes a striking similarity between the virus affecting dairy cows and the one plaguing the country’s poultry industry since 2022. The suspected source remains wild migratory birds.
Local farmers now face heightened urgency to adopt stringent biosecurity measures. With uncertainties looming, guidelines jointly released by AABP and the National Milk Producers Federation emphasise minimising livestock contact with wild birds, isolating new animals, and restricting farm visits.
Several states, including Delaware, Idaho, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Utah, are ramping up biosecurity measures. Nebraska, for instance, has restricted the importation of dairy cattle amid the recent outbreaks, signaling proactive measures to curb the spread.
Despite challenges, there are silver linings. Gingrich reassures that HPAI typically affects a small percentage of the herd and doesn’t result in mortality. Moreover, the risk to public health is minimal due to pasteurisation destroying the virus.
As the investigation unfolds, close collaboration between farmers, veterinarians, and governmental agencies is paramount. Early detection and reporting of symptoms are crucial, along with proactive diagnostics and reliance on credible sources for information.
