Alberta Enhances Surveillance as U.S. Bird Flu Outbreak Nears
Source: The DairyNews
Alberta's agricultural authorities are urging local dairy producers to remain vigilant in monitoring their herds as the bird flu outbreak continues to spread among dairy cattle in the United States. Avian influenza has now been detected in dairy herds across 11 U.S. states, including key dairy regions like Minnesota and Iowa.
Dr. Keith Lehman, Chief Provincial Veterinarian with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, emphasized the importance of heightened awareness and proactive herd monitoring to detect any signs of the disease early. "The biggest thing at this point is really to ensure that our producers have that heightened sense of awareness, that they’re monitoring their herds closely before the disease so that we catch it… as early as possible,” he stated.
In response to the growing threat, last month Canada implemented new import regulations for lactating dairy cows coming from the U.S. These measures require all such cows to test negative for bird flu within seven days prior to export, aiming to prevent the spread of the virus into Canadian herds.
Alberta's dairy industry, while on high alert, continues to operate without any confirmed cases of avian influenza. Provincial and federal authorities are closely coordinating to maintain stringent biosecurity measures and ensure the safety of the dairy supply chain.
In response to the growing threat, last month Canada implemented new import regulations for lactating dairy cows coming from the U.S. These measures require all such cows to test negative for bird flu within seven days prior to export, aiming to prevent the spread of the virus into Canadian herds.
Alberta's dairy industry, while on high alert, continues to operate without any confirmed cases of avian influenza. Provincial and federal authorities are closely coordinating to maintain stringent biosecurity measures and ensure the safety of the dairy supply chain.
