Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Dairy Cattle
June 28, 2024
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has announced new measures in response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), including mandatory testing for dairy cattle at Iowa fairs and exhibitions starting July 1, 2024. Naig also called on the USDA for more resources to support affected farmers and praised Iowa farmers for their cooperation in testing and research. These efforts aim to enhance understanding and control of HPAI, emphasizing that it impacts all of agriculture. To learn more about these crucial updates and how they affect Iowa's livestock industry, read the full article.
Expanded Emergency Livestock Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will start accepting applications on Monday, July 1, for financial assistance through its updated Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP). This program now includes support for dairy producers experiencing milk losses due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) infections in their herds. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) expanded ELAP to cover financial losses from reduced milk production when cattle are removed from commercial milking due to confirmed H5N1. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the agency’s commitment to helping producers recover and sustain production amid this unexpected threat. Dairy producers are encouraged to stay vigilant, follow biosecurity guidelines, and apply for assistance. For detailed eligibility requirements and application steps, read the full article.
April 25, 2024
Click here to read the full report
Summary from the FDA Report:
USDA Announcement:
Starting Monday, all lactating dairy cows moving across state lines must undergo testing for Influenza A virus.
If a cow tests positive, its owner must provide information about the cow's movements, and the cow must adhere to specific conditions set by the USDA.
More details about these requirements will be provided soon, and the rules for other classes of dairy cows will depend on scientific factors related to the virus.
Laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive test results to USDA APHIS.
FDA Report on Pasteurization and HPAI:
The FDA confirmed that pasteurization of milk, done according to federal standards, effectively kills harmful bacteria and viruses, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
Some media outlets may have misinterpreted the report, but the presence of viral fragments after pasteurization doesn't pose any health risks, as they indicate that the virus is dead.
Milk from sick cows is not allowed in the food supply chain in the US, making US milk and milk products among the safest globally.
Our stance here at WIDA continues to AGvocate for our milk. Our milk is safe. Pasteurization is a blessing in this specific situation, and we encourage all dairy producers & industry partners to practice biosecurity. In summary,
Stay informed. Be patient with the process. Practice Biosecurity. AGvocate well.
April 17, 2024
The CDC and USDA have confirmed more cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in 26 herds across eight states. While closely monitoring the situation, they recommend dairy producers and veterinarians adhere to strict biosecurity measures. Though no federal quarantine orders are issued, minimizing cattle movement is advised. The USDA, CDC, and FDA assure the safety of pasteurized milk products, emphasizing that pasteurization effectively kills viruses like influenza. Routine testing and regulations ensure only safe milk enters the food supply chain. Additional resources are available for further information.
April 10, 2024
Outbreak has now been re-named as BIAV (Bovine Influenza A Virus).
April 3, 2024
April 2, 2024
If you haven't already heard, a concerning outbreak of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in dairy cattle, Texas, Kansas and Michigan, as of March 25, posing significant risks to herd health and farm sustainability.
While there has not been any detected outbreaks here in Iowa, we want to encourage you to do all that you can to prevent an outbreak from occurring on your farm.
Below are pieces of information regarding HPAI, along with several other resources to view:
Symptoms:
Appears to affect older, lactating cows
Decreased milk production (individually and throughout the herd)
Thicker milk with discoloration
Decrease in feed consumption
Within 2-3 weeks cows usually recover
Fever
Abnormal feces
What to do if you find a sick cow:
Communicate with your vet immediately
Connect with the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship: 515-281-5305
Separate cow from the herd
Keep cows well hydrated
Use high doses of probiotics
Prevent secondary infections
Communicating Food Safety:
ONLY healthy cow milk goes into the food system, therefore, consumers should not be worried.
All contaminated milk is dumped
If you are producing raw milk please read this for more specific information
Do your part to AGvocate that despite the HPAI outbreak, healthy milk is still going out!
More Information & Resources:
Iowa State University: Dairy Team Page
