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.