Herd Health
Officials have confirmed the first case of highly pathogenic avian flu in a Wisconsin dairy herd.
Many larger dairies report having biosecurity protocols in place, according to a Farm Journal survey, but there are gaps in the relevancy of plans, farm security, hygiene and herd health practices, and training.
Megin Nichols, the CDC’s director in the division of foodborne, waterborne and environmental diseases, explains the ties between human, animal and environmental health.
With New World screwworm within 70 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, the livestock industry is on high alert. USDA continues to fight the northward spread of the parasite while debate continues on the border closure.
This is the third human case associated with the virus. Last week the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a plan to produce 4.8 million doses of a vaccine for human use to counter H5N1.
Federal officials are seeking to verify the safety of milk and meat after confirming the H5N1 virus in nine states since late March. The public health risk is low, but is higher for those exposed to infected animals.
The agency will provide reimbursement for testing at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network laboratory.
Steve Troxle, state commissioner of agriculture, said he is waiting for more diagnostic information from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory and will work collaboratively with North Carolina dairy farmers.
The American Association of Bovine Practitioners is making the name change, as it more accurately reflects the issue.
Sid Miller, commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture, says the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza impacting beef cattle in the state’s panhandle – where dairy cows have been infected – is minimal.
Ohio has become the sixth state where dairy cattle have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu.
Livestock producers and veterinarians are urged to practice good biosecurity practices to prevent transmission of the disease. Five states have also issued restrictions on dairy cattle movement.
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture announced that HPAI, known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, has been found in dairy cattle in Idaho.
The Texas Department of State Health Services reports that a human case of bird flu has been confirmed in Texas and identified in a person who had direct exposure to dairy cattle presumed to be infected with the disease.
In an effort to increase its biosecurity measures against HPAI, also known as bird flu, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture has issued a 30 day restriction on the importation of dairy cattle.
In affected cowherds, the illness impacts nearly 10% of the animals, causing reduced feed consumption and a 10% to 20% decline in milk production.
Ensure your time investment creates farm profitability.
Drugs such as penicillin and some others routinely used to treat cattle, hogs and other food animals will be available only with a prescription from your veterinarian, starting June 12, 2023.
Bloody scours in calves is never a welcome sight, but diagnosing the source can help with treatment and prevent future cases.
Global Dairy received a gut punch when the derecho plowed through its South Dakota farm last week. The storm’s impact took out their main parallel parlor that milks 1,700 cows after its roof collapsed.
Ohio State University scientists are looking for SARS-CoV-2 in animals and the environment.